>Crumbs 101

 

Crumbs 101

Who is He?

Scripture Mark 6:14-20 New International Version 14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.”And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 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.

Crumbs

The twelve disciples ‘ mission to the villages focused Herod’s attention, not on them but on Jesus and Herod was wondering who this Jesus was. Two theories were put forward, both wrong. Jesus was not a reincarnation of either an ancient or recent prophet. The interpreters of prophesy had got it wrong on two counts, the global and the spiritual. It was about other nations not just Israel. It was about people’s relationship with God. What of New Testament prophesy ? I guess anyone who makes predictions about it will be astonished at its fulfilment.

In one respect Herod was very much a 21^st century man, He did not let moral or legal issues stand in the way of his having the woman he wanted; He followed the equation happiness equals having what I desire. Such an assertion soaks all aspects of our culture.

I wonder about Herod’s reaction to John’s message. Politely we say “ I have a problem with this.” “ It may be seen from a different perspective.”, What we really mean is “ I disagree with you.” Was that the essence of Herod’s puzzlement?

“yet he liked to listen to him.” He admired the man. He liked hearing the message.

Questions

1. How does this example help us understand New Testament prophesy?

2. How shall we resist the hedonism of today ?.

3. What warnings are there in Herod’s approach to life?

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