These verses contain a
story that Primetime TV would love -- involving Herod Antipas, Herodias,
Salome, John the Baptist, and a few other players beyond the telling. It all
seems to come out of nowhere since the focus of the gospel thus far has been on
Jesus and his ministry. Yet… there has to be a reason why the writer Mark included
this story. Right?
With the disciples of
Jesus spreading the good news, along with what has happened previously, word
travels fast. Plus how can the miracles and ministry of Jesus be kept entirely
under wraps? These are seasons of change. And as all of us know, not everybody likes change.
When discussing this
particular story with the study group, we read verses 17-29 first, then verses 14-16. It set the tone to gain a sense of the paranoia
and fear building within the man who wanted to be king -- Herod Antipas.
To provide more insight to
the "Herod" family, the inter-relations are quite something;
resembling a day-time soap opera -- a true story even Hollywood might find
unbelievable. As Patrick * stated, "It's like a Jerry Springer show!"
Herod the Great, who was
responsible for the massacre of the children in Bethlehem when Jesus was born (Matthew 2:16-18),
had 15 children by 10 wives. [i] In this convoluted family
mix, look how just a portion plays out (with Herod the Great married to several
wives at once):
* Herod the Great had married
Mariamne the Hasmonean who gave birth to Aristobulus;
* Aristobulus' wife gave
birth to Herodias;
* Herod the Great had married
Mariamne the Boethusian who gave birth to Herod Philip;
* Herod Philip married
Herodias who gave birth to Salome;
* Herod the Great had married
Malthake who gave birth to Herod Antipas;
* Herodias became the
mistress of Herod Antipas and eventually his wife.
In this family portrait of
just a select few,… Herod Antipas married Herodias (both his niece AND his
sister-in-law)!
Even though this "She's my niece; no, she's my sister-in-law; no, she's my mistress; no, she's my wife" may not have turned heads completely around, John the Baptist stuck his head out when he told Herod Antipas that he had crossed a line in another way. He was
"violating Jewish law (Lev 18:16)
by marrying his brother's wife (in a situation where the levirate law (Deut 25:5-6)
did not apply, because Herod's brother did not die childless.)" [ii] Herodias was infuriated
and wanted the Baptist's head on a platter. Literally.
Sex… meet Politics.
Politics… meet Sex.
Then comes the dirty dance
by Salome at the royal court with jaws dropping, eyes popping and hearts
pounding. Caught in an exaggeration of generosity since he had no actual kingdom
to give to Salome -- but under an oath stated publically at the party -- Herod
Antipas was forced to honor Herodias' carefully orchestrated, calculated move.
"Off with his head!"
Now you might wonder what
was the time-line between John the Baptist's death and Herod Antipas' paranoia
about his resurrection -- "That's why that man can work miracles!"
Although the four gospels state the same -- that John the Baptist died before
Jesus -- there is nothing definitive about the exact dates.
Regardless of timing, news
about the "Miracle Man" who spreads Good News made its way to the
house of Herod Antipas, and he was quite afraid. Why? Could it have been guilt?
Could it have been fear of retribution? Could it have been concern that the
people would turn against him? Could it have been…? The could've and would've
scenarios are endless.
Did You Know…?
Years after all of this,
Herod Antipas actually sought the title of King. He journeyed to Rome and
pleaded for it. Instead of receiving the title, he received something else --
banishment to Lyon in Gaul. The Emperor was outraged by the insolence and
insubordination of Herod Antipas to ask for such a title. [iii]
So why the inclusion of
the beheading of John the Baptist? I believe the writer of the gospel felt it
important to share the Baptist's story, as his band of disciples soon
splintered. Also, I think it gained sympathy from those who listened to the
reading of the gospel -- as they had heard of John the Baptist at the very
outset in Chapter 1.
I believe the writer
wanted the listeners to hear about someone like Herod Antipas (who ruled the
land causing fear, who worked for Rome and did the Emperor's bidding but wanted
so much more, whose desire for power included committing adultery with his
brother's wife and refusing to repent) taken down several notches. Show the depth
of cowardice past the veneer of a royal front. A "King" who caused
fear now showed fear.
And I believe the gospel
writer wanted the listeners to know that a "King" and others of power
were wrong in who they believed this Jesus fellow was. Jesus was not the
resurrected John the Baptist; not Elijah; and not a prophet like Moses, Jeremiah
or Isaiah.
This Jesus was the
Messiah.
NEXT…
For real… 5,000 were fed?
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