Daily Devotions
Matthew
Tribute to John the Baptiser
Text: Matthew 14 : 1 - 13
John the Baptiser deserved the acclaim of the multitudes. He was well respected by most people, though not the scribes and Pharisees. Many “counted him a prophet”. This was a true statement of the general regard of the multitudes.
Jesus paid him the highest compliment, declaring him to be a prophet and more. He was none other than “The Elijah who was to come” (Matthew 11:14).
Antipas paid John a high compliment too, when he thought that Jesus was none other than John who somehow must have been resurrected from the dead (Matthew 14:2).
THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO JOHN’S DEMISE
Matthew recorded the death of John the Baptiser in plain language, without the slightest application of varnish.
“But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated,
the daughter of Herodias danced before them
and pleased Herod.
Therefore he promised with an oath to give her
whatever she might ask.”
MATTHEW 14:6-7
The occasion was the celebration of Antipas’ birthday. On a happy occasion like that, the last thought in the mind of the tetrarch’s mind was John the Baptiser. What could his wife’s daughter wish for? He was prepared to give her almost anything she wished. His promise was accompanied by an oath!
A REAL SET-UP
Antipas had not factored in just how cunning and vindictive Herodias was. Josephus suggested that Antipas was forced to divorce his first wife by Herodias. She deserted her own husband in favour of the more politically aggressive Antipas.
“So she, having been prompted by her mother, said,
‘Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.'”
MATTHEW 14:8
Antipas realized too late that his wife and her daughter had set the whole thing up. The celebration of his birthday, the usual heavy consumption of wine – the whole festive atmosphere was just a set up leading to this request for the head of John the Baptiser!
THE EXECUTION OF JOHN THE BAPTISER
Antipas had no choice but to honour his word. He had not killed John for fear of the multitudes. The die had been cast. He now had to risk a riot on his hands. He ordered the execution of John.
“And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths
and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it
to be given to her.
So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.
And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl,
and she brought it to her mother.”
MATTHEW 14:9-10
Just how sorry was Antipas? Not sorry enough apparently! He fulfilled the whim of his wife, through the wiles of her daughter! A man’s life, no, a prophet’s life was forfeited in a drunken moment at a birthday feast!
THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF JOHN
How sad the disciples of John must have been when they learned about the execution of their beloved master.
“Then his disciples came and took away the body
and buried it, and went and told Jesus.”
MATTHEW 14:11
At least, the disciples of John were given this body to bury. That was the last act of devotion they could give to their respected teacher.
One last thing needed to be done! The disciples felt that they must inform Jesus of the demise of John the Baptiser. The disciples knew that there was a deep sense of relationship and affection between John and Jesus. (The words of compliment that Jesus paid to John may be likened to an eulogy that would not be delivered in person – Cf. Matthew 11:7-14).
NEWS OF THE DEATH OF JOHN THE BAPTISER
As we read about the Herodian family, and how they grossly abused their powers, we must appreciate more what Jesus must have had to endure! Antipas’ remark that Jesus was probably John the Baptist resurrected (Matthew 14:2) must be read as more than just a casual remark. How did Jesus respond to the news of John’s death?
“When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat
to a deserted place by Himself.”
MATTHEW 14:13
1. A moment of private grief
We must never forget that Jesus was fully human! Yes, He was the Son of God, but when He put on flesh, He felt as anyone of us would, only without sin! John’s death was not to be dismissed lightly as an everyday event. He was the forerunner. He was a beloved servant of the Lord. Understandably, grief would be felt.
2. A moment for special communion in prayer
In special times like this one, the wisest thing to do is to withdraw for a little while – for the purpose of prayer. Jesus found solitude the best means for prayer.