It's an odd thing to consider that some of the most disturbing things that occur in the Bible often happen in the context of what we might consider to be opulent, or even beautiful. I think we so often wish to cast these episodes in dimly light corridors and alley ways because we don't want to feel that tug. The pull on our heart that would draw us into the room, into the party, and ultimately into Herod's very harrowing sin. But, Mark makes the setting of Herod's party very explicit for us doesn't he?
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests.
There we have it. Herod's party was quite the spectacle. We actually meet Herod surrounded by the cultural elite of the day. As Mark continues the picture of Herod in the midst of this opulence comes into stark focus. While his step-daughter (also former niece) dances for his entertainment, Herod and the rest of the men are so stirred that Herod promised to give her anything she wanted. But now we see, that for all of his wealth Herod was actually quite out of control.
"And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 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.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison."
Interesting....having been made a huge, and quite public vow Herod's stepdaughter ran to ask her mother what to ask for. This is where this passage gets really nasty, notice the literary context preceding Herod's party. Mark goes into detail about why John was in prison, and how Herodias felt about his presence. She was not happy that Herod listened to John, and sought opportunity to be rid of him, and then we see the fatal "but" in v. 21. "BUT an opportunity came when..."There was a plot here! Herodias knew her husband well, and desired John's death so much that she used her own daughter for leverage!
John was in jail because his conviction of God righteousness angered Herod and his ill-gotten wife. Prior to this we encounter John living simply in the wilderness. John was beheaded because Herod, though mystified by him, couldn't even muster the slightest conviction in lieu of a request that was reprehensible to him. What an odd pairing of characters! Herod shows us that repentance is the only thing that will spare us when judgement arrives. Throughout this passage Herod is portrayed as a man conflicted by diverging desires, what he ought to do, and what he wants to do. His opulent party was fertile soil for his betrayal of John, and likewise, if we live solely according to our whims and desires, will do violence against our conscience, the Lord, and his Kingdom!
Thankfully we have the historical perspective of the cross, and resurrection of Jesus to hold us steady. We are not victims, but reconciled enemies!
To remind us that God used our evil by drawing it upon himself for our salvation. Praise God that his Word, and Holy Spirit whisper truth into our hearts, transforming them. Because, apart from those, none of us are any better than Herod.
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