Mark 6:14-32
The Cost of Discipleship – Mk 6:14-32
Jesus has sent out the twelve, in pairs, with authority to preach repentance and authenticate their ministry with signs and wonders. The spread of the Kingdom has begun.
14 And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 15 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” (NASB®)
What did the people conclude about Jesus?
Jesus’ ministry had become so popular that even Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee (although he preferred the title King), had become aware of this new Kingdom. At a loss to fully explain what Jesus was teaching and doing, the people turn to what is familiar and suggest He is a returned messenger of God.
Is Jesus merely a man of God? A good teacher?
16 But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!” (NASB®)
What did Herod conclude of Jesus?
In a somewhat irrational twist, as a Sadducee, Herod dismisses his belief that there is no resurrection and determines that John has come back to life.
Do I refuse to accept Jesus despite the evidence?
17 For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”(NASB®)
What plagued Herod?
John may have frequently reminded Herod that he was breaking God’s law but Herod’s guilt stemmed from the fact that it was at his command that John was incarcerated.
Am I aware that God’s law exposes my sin?
Does my past keep me from being open to the truth?
19 Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; (NASB®)
What fueled Herodias?
Herodias in no way appreciated John’s truthfulness and her fury could only be relieved with John’s life.
Has something happened to me that makes me resistant to Jesus?
20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him. (NASB®)
What kept John alive?
Although baffled by John’s teaching, Herod was fond of hearing him. It was the witness of his life, how he treated others and was committed to God that caused him concern, so much so that Herod protected John.
Am I challenged by the testimony of God’s work in other peoples lives?
Do I live a life that testifies to the truth of Jesus?
21 A strategic day came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his lords and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom.” (NASB®)
Herodias knew Herod’s weakness so a birthday party which included all his influential friends, was an opportune time to take advantage of his enormous ego. Caught up in the moment, he makes a pledge far beyond his ability to keep.
Do I let the pursuit of pleasure go to far?
Is pride an issue in my life?
24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb. (NASB®)
What is the ultimate cost of discipleship?
The trap set, Herodias demands satisfaction with proof of John’s death. His reputation, more important than his regret, Herod orders the execution of John and has the payment delivered. John had given his life to God so this was merely the decrease of his earthly ministry (as he had predicted).
Is my ego more important than truth?
Am I willing to admit when I am wrong?
30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. (NASB®)
What is unique about Jesus’ disciples?
John’s disciples sat under his instruction and followed the message from God. Jesus’ disciples followed Him and as His authorized representatives now became partners in His ministry.
31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.(NASB®)
What is important for disciples of Jesus?
Busyness can be an issue for us all. Regardless of the importance of the tasks at hand, they should never take precedent over the followers need to spend time with Jesus. What we do for Jesus should be defined by what we do with Jesus.
Is time alone with Jesus a priority?
Are my eyes fixed on Jesus or results?