Lessons from Herod Antipas

 Scripture just records miracles, teachings, healings, sending the 12 out ...  (only a smattering of these actually recorded)
So.... word is reaching all levels of society!!  (palaces as well as villages... (Spread verbally, passed on.)

So... Mark 6:14-16 - list of players in story.

Herod the Great - not this Herod.  - was King when Jesus was born, example:  Christmas story
had at least 7 sons by various wives.

Aristobolus - the father of....
Herodias - grand-daughter of Herod the Great   (featured in this story)

Herod Phillip - Uncle and 1st. husband of Herodias (father of Salome (the dancer in the story)

Herod Antipas - uncle and 2nd. husband of Herodias - the star of this story!!
Was ruler of Galilee - appointed by Rome
(locally called 'King' but NOT officially a King!)  - more like a governor

John the Baptist - great preacher, prophet, forerunner of Christ! - of whom Jesus said ... Matt. 11:11 - 1st. prophet in 400 years.

THE STORY:  Mark 6:17-29 - with Matt. 14:12
Herod couldn't give her half the kingdom, wasn't his to give.
"greatly distressed" - same word used only one other place in Bible - used about Jesus in Gethsemane before His crucifixion.

NOTES:

#1.  Herod (Antipas) imprisoned John ... NOT because of what he was saying ... but because of Herodias' anger!!  (in fact, may have been partly to protect him from Herodias!!)

Nevertheless,
#2.  Herod feared John - which = BOTH ..... Respect and Trepidation - in a word = AWE!!
John's message included judgment and punishment as well as good news.

#3.  Herod like to listen to John BUT with strong mixed emotions!!
On one hand, "gladly listened" - because message resonated as truth!!
However, the message caused stress, "dis stressed"

Because - he knew the message was right and true
and part of him wanted to embrace it!!

BUT - however ... THE COST!?!?
   he was afraid of...... his wife - she hated John
                       for...... his reputation
                       for...... his career - placed in his position by Rome
                      for ..... His lifestyle ... which = opulent, luxurious, and self indulgent!!
This is every lost man's dilemma - accepting Christ costs something.

So... Herod does Nothing!! - straddles the fence.  Which = non-acceptance of message.
ie:  Until ... his hand is forced!!

NOW....  he must decide....
      A.  do what he knows is WRONG .. and SAVE FACE??
 or  B.  do what he knows is RIGHT .. and save Soul??
Again, every adult non-believer's dilemma

Words of Christ here ... Matt. 10:28, Mark 8:36

Reject Christ today doesn't necessarily mean reject Christ forever!!!  People CAN change!!
(last week = "unbelief today does not necessitate unbelief tomorrow!")

BUT ... next Bible appearance of Herod Antipas = trial of Jesus ... Luke 23:4-12
has degenerated to the point where he can stand face to face with Christ and MOCK!!

THIS STORY IS RIPE WITH LESSONS AND APPLICATIONS

#1.  Being convicted by the Word is not the same as responding to the Word.
(or) holding Christ in AWE is of little value without submissions - (convict = convince which is a good start)

#2.  Sorrow is no substitute for repentance.
Sorrow - feeling - very important but not without action>
Repentance = turning (action)

#3.  It's a lot easier to KNOW right then to DO right.
many wanna BE good without the effort of DOING good!

#4.  Sometimes your best friends are your worst enemies.
example:  Herodias/ officials at the banquet (doubtful that any of them advised Herod NOT to do it)/ etc.

Incidentally... Herod's end in Galilee ... another brother (Herod Agrippa) was granted a true Kingship by Rome.  Herodias pressures Herod Antipas to request the same thing!!  Result = he was stripped of his rulership, and exiled to Gaul (France).

#5.  to ignore the Holy Spirit si to (eventually) harden your heart.  (So.... don't quench, grieve)
A hardened heart can result in the death of your soul before death of your Body!! 
(example:  Rom. 1:28 - "reprobate, depraved mind"

#6.  The Holy Spirit DOES want to CONVICT you (of truth, righteousness, etc.) BUT He doesn't intend to HARM you!!!  He loves you and is doing for your own good.

NOW add... Mark 6:30-32
This story sandwiched between the 12 being sent out and the 12 being regathered.

They return successful!!  elated!!  with joy!!   Only to learn .. the great John the Baptist has been beheaded.
So .... off for some rest and relaxation.

Because ... Serving Jesus (ministry, kingdom work ...) is...
sometimes  energizing!  ie:  baptisms and baby dedications, conversions! growth and development, joyous weddings
sometimes draining!  tragedy, death, funerals, rejections, backsliding, turning away, bitter divorces

BUT whatever it be... "to this we are called...."
to carry gospel - to feed sheep - to assist needy - to build the Kingdom - to represent Christ!! be His ambassador.    2. Cor. 5:18-21
Every person who is a follower of Christ will experience highs and lows!

Closing Scripture:  1 Cor. 15:58