0500802 Death of John the Baptist – Matthew 12:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9, A.D. 27 Machaerus in Judea
Now at that time, King Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus for his name had become known. Herod heard all that was done by him, and he was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead. And he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers are at work in him.” But some others said, “He is Elijah. Elijah had appeared.” And some others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the old prophets that had risen again.” But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead. But who is this, about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him.
For Herod himself had sent out and had laid hold of John, and bound him, and arrested John, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. And Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed, and he heard him gladly.
But when a convenient day came, Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. The daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced among them and she pleased Herod and those sitting and eating with him. Whereupon the king promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask and said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” And he swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she, being prompted by her mother, came in immediately with haste to the king, asked and said, “I want you to give me here right now on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” And the king was grieved and exceedingly sorry but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests who sat at the table with him, he did not wish to refuse her and he commanded it to be given. And immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head. And he went and beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady girl and she brought and gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard this, they came, and took up the body and his corpse, and buried it and laid it in a tomb and they went and told Jesus.
