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Beheading of John the Baptist

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.” For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. MATTHEW 14:1-12 NLT

THE TIME FOR MY REPENTANCE IS NOW

…because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. MARK 6:20 NIV

MY FAITHFULNESS TO GOD DOES NOT ALWAYS LOOK LIKE SUCCESS, BUT ACTUALLY SUFFERING

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. MATTHEW 5:10-12 NIV

IN MY GRIEF, I DON’T HAVE TO BURY MY HOPE

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13 ESV

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What stories do you know that don’t have a happy, clean, or resolved ending? What questions do those leave you with?
  2. START HERE: Describe when something in your life felt unresolved or messy and how that affected your faith in God.
  3. START HERE: What is a small compromise you made that grew into a bigger issue? What did you learn from that experience?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 14:1-12 (NLT). What stood out to you most from this passage and what do you sense God is speaking to you?
  5. KEEP GOING: In what ways do you relate to Herod’s struggle with regret and indecision?
  6. KEEP GOING: Where do you have a pattern of little choices and compromises that are leading toward a larger chain reaction of failure? With the support of your group, take this opportunity to confess and repent before our gracious God.
  7. KEEP GOING: When it comes to faith, what does it mean to reframe “success” around obedience, rather than winning or avoiding suffering?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV). What does it look like to navigate grief from the perspective of burying loss, not hope?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: Read Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV). Where do you need to take a risk or stand up for what’s right, even if it’s unpopular or costly?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What little choices can you make this week to follow Jesus out of obedience?