Tonight at the park we read Matthew chapter 14. One of the stories in the chapter recalls the fatal fate of John the Baptist. Here is a quick summary. The chapter begins with Herod “the King” of Israel thinking that Jesus is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. Matthew then tells the story of the events that led to John’s execution.
Herod had been sleeping with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. John the Baptist, in true prophetic fashion, rebukes Herod for this breaking of the Law of Moses. Herod wanted to have John the Baptist executed at that moment, but John was too popular to execute; all of the people might have caused a riot. However, at Herod’s birthday party one night, Herodias’ daughter danced and pleased him very much. Herod swore to her in front of all of his guests that he would give her whatever she asked for. The girl went to her mom to find out what she should ask for. Herodias told her dancing daughter that she should ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The girl listened to her mother’s advice, and Herod was obligated to grant her wish because of the oaths he made. Herod has John executed.
One of the things that came up in our discussion at the park was the presence of the different leadership roles at work in this little episode: the prophet and the King. Israel’s prophets* were carriers of God’s word to all of Israel. There was no exception for the king. The King of Israel was to be God’s anointed representative on the earth. He was to be a King over Israel on God’s terms. Throughout Israel’s history, the prophet and the king have experienced friction within their relationship. Even a great king such as David was not beyond rebuke. The prophet Nathan, like John the Baptist, rebukes the King for his improper relationship.
In the New Testament, Jesus uniquely takes on both the role of the prophet and the role of the King in a conclusive way. Jesus is the final carrier of God’s word, and later in the Gospel, this will produce much friction between Jesus and the leadership in Israel. Jesus also takes on the role of the King. He has already stated in the gospel that his father has handed all things to him, but he is not like other Kings; he is gentle and humble in heart.
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