Why did Herod arrest John the Baptist?

Herod wanted to kill John. Why didn’t he?

What happened to bring about John’s death?

Herod was fearful - first of the people’s opinions (v5), and then of losing face for breaking his vow in front of his dinner guests (v9). He is first resolved to kill John, and then afraid to do so, and then pressured into killing him. He fears men.

How is John the Baptist contrasted against Herod?

If we only read this chapter, we can be tempted to think “but staying faithful to God didn’t help John the Baptist at all!” However, we know that there is a life beyond death and that justice will be served (see Matthew 13). What is Jesus’ response to John’s death? What does this teach us about God?

Are there areas in your life where you are fearful of what others think? How can you pursue the fear of the Lord in those areas?

1. Praise Jesus for His faithfulness even in the face of suffering. Pray for courage to fear God above people’s opinions.

2. Rev Thang Bwee: Pray for God’s provision and guidance for the Reformed Bible Institute.

3. Evangelism: Pray for people who will do "Discover Jesus" our courses designed to introduce newcomers to Christ. Pray that God uses our meagre efforts to introduce people to the Saviour