14 King Herod soon heard about Jesus, for the name of Jesus was on everyone’s lips. Some were even saying about him, “John the Baptizer has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers flow from him!” 15 Others said, “No, he’s Elijah!” While others said, “He’s a prophet, like one of the prophets of old!”
16 When Herod heard what the people were saying, he concluded, “I beheaded John, and now he’s raised from the dead!” 17–18 For Herod had John arrested and thrown into prison for repeatedly rebuking him in public, saying, “You have no right to marry Herodias, the wife of your brother Philip! You are violating the law of God!”
19 This infuriated Herodias, and she held a bitter grudge against him and wanted John executed. 20 But Herod both feared and stood in awe of John and kept him safely in custody, because he was convinced that he was a righteous and holy man. Every time Herod heard John speak, it disturbed his soul, but he was drawn to him and enjoyed listening to his words.
21 But Herodias found her opportunity to have John killed—it was on the king’s birthday! Herod prepared a great banquet and invited all his officials, military commanders, and the leaders of the province of Galilee to celebrate with him on his birthday. 22 On the day of the feast, his stepdaughter, the daughter of Herodias, came to honor the king with a beautiful dance, and she flattered him. Her dancing greatly pleased the king and his guests, so he said to the girl, “You can ask me for anything you want and I will give it to you!” 23 And he repeated it in front of everyone, with a vow to complete his promise to her: “Anything you desire and it will be yours! I’ll even share my kingdom with you!”
24 She immediately left the room and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptizer on a platter!” 25 So she hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want you to bring me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter—and I want it right now!”
26 Deeply grieved, the king regretted his promise to her, but since he had made his vow in front of all his honored guests, he couldn’t deny her request. 27 So without delay the king ordered an executioner to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. 28 He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl brought it to her mother. 29 When John’s followers heard what had happened, they came and removed his body and laid it in a tomb.
Terrie's Comments:
Merry Christmas! This is kind of a weird passage for Christmas morning I know but the word will not return void and I trust that your spirit will be encouraged even in the reading of this passage today! The name of Jesus was on everyone's lips! That must of been exciting even if most of the people were spreading things that were not true because they simply didn't know. They knew He was healing and setting people free and that was enough for His name to be spread. Is the name of Jesus on our lips? Do we proclaim everything that He has done in our lives to those around us? Do we dispel the myths about Him and bring people into the family of God to have an intimate relationship with our Savior? Let us proclaim what Jesus has done for the whole world today as we celebrate His birthday!!
Tori's Comments:
Interesting passage for Christmas :) John the Baptist had a great faith throughout his life, and although his life ended like this, his reward is great!
Day 25
- Merry Christmas!
- Read Isaiah 53:5
- On Christmas morning, grab pots and pans and spoons and spatulas; run outside banging them and shouting the Good News that Jesus was born!
- Have a great Christmas!
- Share one thing you love about each other!
- Spend time with family and give thanks for the Savior's birth
We have a praise music list that we add to on a regular basis. You can find the link to it in the right hand column of this blog or by scrolling to the bottom of this page. We also have a Christmas list which you will find in the right hand column as well :-)
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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Please keep all comments respectful. We want to remember that each of us is at a different place in our walk with God. This is a place for us to share openly about what has been revealed to us as we open up Gods word and to learn from others. Please take every opportunity possible to build each other up in love :-)