A Life Cut Short

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

 Meditate. Read this passage again. Consider Jesus’ feelings about this.

 

Jesus has been told that His cousin, John the Baptist, is dead. Jesus’ ministry began when John baptized Him in the Jordan River. Now, John had been beheaded. What a cruel way to die—and for such a flimsy reason. Herod said to his young step-daughter, “I’ll give you anything you want” for doing such a pleasing dance. Anything? Including the head of John the Baptist. Herod’s wife, Herodias, was seeking revenge against John for his criticism of her relationship with Herod. Off with his head. It was served up on a tray—possibly a silver platter—and given to Herodias. How sad for his followers and for family, like Jesus. John’s followers buried his body.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

 

How about a cupcake instead
of a head for a birthday?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, we know that life is sometimes cut short—but it is usually by an accident or some deadly disease. John was a righteous man who wanted others to comply with God’s plan for marriage—to one person, for life. Herodias was upset for being accused of a sin. Upset or convicted? Help us to be compassionate to those who are grieving, like those who likely mourned for John the Baptist.

 Verses of Salvation ~ Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2

 

 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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