Serving God is dangerous

August 29, 2023 - Tuesday,

Tuesday, Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

Mark 6:17-29

The Gospels tell us that the reason for the arrest and murder of John the Baptist was his opposition to Herod Antipas’ marriage with Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. “For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife” (Mark 6:18). But things were more complex.

Each Gospel begins with the activity of John the Baptist preaching the baptism of repentance in the desert across the Jordan. Some scholars have helped us to realise that in the Bible the Jordan is not just water and the desert is not just sand. The preaching of John the Baptist was a renewal program and a history lesson. John the Baptist preached in the places associated with prophet Elijah who during his time called Israel to faithfulness in their covenant with God. The desert is associated with Moses and the covenant on Mount Sinai. The Jordan was the place of entry into the Promised Land.

Both the Gospels and the Jewish historian, Josephus, tell us that the ministry of John the Baptist attracted many people. We read in the Gospel of Mark that “all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him” (Mark 1:5). Josephus tells us that “many people came in crowds to him, for they were greatly moved by his words”. And that created a problem. Herod became afraid of John and his influence on the people. Josephus writes: 

“Herod, who feared that the great influence John had over the masses might put them into his power and enable him to raise a rebellion (for they seemed ready to do anything he should advise), thought it best to put him to death. In this way, he might prevent any mischief John might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late” (Jewish Antiquities; 18:118). 

The Gospel tells us that Herod feared John and did not want to put John to death. It was only “because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to ” the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:26). After all, he promised her anything she would ask (Mark 6:22). On the other hand, Josephus says that “John was sent as a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Machaerus, . . . , and was put to death”.

Whether John the Baptist died because of Herod’s suspicious temper or Herodias' grudge, we shall probably never know. What we know is this: to be God’s prophet is dangerous. Leaders do not like having others influence their subjects, and they hate to be told the truth.

Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.