Jesus sets us free so we can follow him.
“For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly....But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”… And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.”
The above-described relationship between King Herod and John the Baptist is instructive and cautionary on numerous levels.
It’s apparent Herod was both drawn to and distressed by John, who addressed him on behalf of the Living God, to awaken him, to call him to repentance. Maybe through John’s “hard” rebuke, Herod could sense John cared for him, loved him even? Maybe Herod liked being around someone who would actually tell him the truth, since no one else would? Maybe he admired John’s courage, knowing he could take his life at any time?
It’s even possible Herod considered doing what John said, but was afraid of how it would be received. Ultimately, he wanted to maintain appearances and do what he felt like more than he wanted to listen to John. Besides, how would it look for the King to obey one of his prisoners? It’s a little embarrassing that he actually spends so much time with this religious freak, but to actually do what he says...
Herod figured he could keep doing what he was doing. He could listen to John and also continue to live life the way he wanted. He could make his wife happy; look good before the people that “mattered,” etc. He probably assumed he was free and could turn to God whenever he wanted.
However, when the moment of decision came, Herod proved to be a coward and a slave to his idols. His kingly “appearance” and reputation held him utterly captive. They commanded the destruction of what opposed them, and he could not help but obey.
In such a situation, even our false sense of “virtue” can serve to justify our decision: “I hate to do this. But I am a man of my word after all. Oh the burden of being king!” Herod “heard (John) gladly.” His end is that of a tyrant and murderer.
Herod was not a freak. He was a human being who ignored the call of God, and thus, worshiped and served other gods. Left to ourselves, so do we.
However, in his abounding truth and love, Jesus came to set us captives free. Through his being bound on the cross, he delivers us from the clutches of him who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” to give us “life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). In his grace, he is patient and faithful to receive any who turn to him; even all of us who are implicated in his unjust murder.
While attraction and curiosity can be a starting point, we cannot remain there, merely interested. The call is to believe, trust, follow. The call is to live in and for the one who for our sakes died and was raised to life.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:7, 15)
Rev. John Hanna is the State Capitol Minister for Trenton, New Jersey.
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