Who Ruined Herod's Birthday Party?

By Mary Vee
Mark 6

From Herod's Journal 

What remains of one of Herod's palaces - Israel
photo by Mary Vee

My name is Herod. I am a king and rule from Jerusalem. I'm not a Jew, but have been given this position from my connections in Rome.

I have heard of a man who is gaining a lot of attention in Israel. He travels through the cities and villages with his disciples healing the sick, performing miracles, and teaching about God in Heaven.

We've had many men rise up and gather followers. They usually want political power. Most of the time these groups die out, and I don't have to worry about them. If they gain too many followers, I send my army to squash them. 

This new man that has gathered many followers and has become well known in the land, is a mystery. His name is Jesus.

I called my counsel together. "Tell me about this man who has risen to such popularity."

The counsel answered, "Some say he is John the Baptist raised from the dead and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

Others said, "He is Elijah."

And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."

Their words upset me. "John has been raised from the dead! I beheaded John. Who then, is this man I'm hearing about?"

From that moment on I wanted to see this man called Jesus and know for myself who he really was.

I remember the day I beheaded John the Baptist. I gave orders to have him arrested. Had him bound and put in prison. I had to. I had to. John the Baptist created such a stir. He came to my palace and had the nerve to say I had done something unlawful. Well, I did. I had my brother Philip killed so that I would be king then I married his wife, Herodias. But I am king and can do as I wish.

Herodias heard about John the Baptist's accusations. From that moment on she carried a grudge so vehemately she wanted him killed. I couldn't let her do that. This man made me nervous. He said things with such authority. I protected him. I had to, he was a righteous and holy man.

Every time this man spoke his words puzzled me, yet I couldn't resist hearing what he had to say. 

One year I gave a banquet and invited my high officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee to celebrate my birthday. The food poured out of the kitchens. The hall decorated in all the best. Everyone had a wonderful time. At the end of the meal, I ordered the entertainment to begin.

Herodias' daughter entered the room. The music began. The next several moments voices stilled. Her dance thoroughly pleased me and my dinner guests.

I had to reward her. "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you. Whatever you ask I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom."

"I need a moment." She met her mother at the doorway and spoke with her then returned. "I would like you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter."

I never expected her to say that. Had I known, I would have pharased my reward differently. Her request upset me terribly, but I had to honor it. I had said I would give what she asked in front of all my guests. My word must be honorable. 

My smile and pleasure in her dance had long left. I inhaled deeply and did the only thing I could. I called for an executioner to go to the prison where John had been safely protected. "Bring me back the head of John the Baptist.

The man left the room. Any celebration after that point was pure show. Happiness had completely left me. 

The executioner left the hall, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back John's head on a platter. He presented it to Herodias' daughter. She accepted the platter and took it to her mother.

John's disciples came later that evening requesting his body for burial. I, of course, had it given to them.

In the next days I wanted to find out who this Jesus really was.

 Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.