COMMONER KING
Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Herod’s birth, life, and family had set him apart from the common Jew. His was of royal blood with a prestigious name. Life had been one lesson of rule after another. Responsibility and accountability were watchwords etched in his psyche since childhood. Yet, with these watchwords of stricture came words of fancy and privilege. “At your command”, “by your leave”, and “as you wish”, flooded his ears from fearful and privileged subjects alike. Anyone with an axe to grind or a profitable scheme would seek the alliance and friendship of the king. Tribute became the avenue of Herod’s affluence and familial security. His bloodline would never cease to sit on the throne! But, when had the line blurred and faded between childhood lessons of morality and kingly decrees of reality? Must reality always push aside the barrier of morality to accomplish the prospect of immortality? Would he be remembered? Would his name live for centuries or even millennia?
Was this John indeed a prophet of God? It had been centuries since a prophet had been called among the people. Why now? Why in his reign? His advisors and counselors had admonished both caution and boldness. Be cautious of the people and be bold toward the person. As long as John remained in prison the people would complain but not interfere. As long as John was in the care of the king, the people would remain orderly. So, Herod kept John a prisoner and guest.
John would not only tell the complete truth but tell tales that would tug at the strings of the kings conscience. John reinforced and opened Herod’s mind to the truth and importance of those childhood lessons. There was a way to be both moral and just in today’s society. John was opening Herod’s eyes to opportunity, a reestablishing of integrity and a possibility of notoriety. John preached repentance and the fruit of a repentant heart. Herod had no intention of repenting, but he could possibly compensate for wrongdoing and deceive others by mimicking a repentant heart.
Herod had a plan and pursued a way. He did things! He approved the project for running water and plumbing the Romans had suggested. It would cost him and the people, but it was right and just. It made him feel good. His hold on the throne was secure. New personal alliances did not profit as much as it used to, so he would be careful to side with the common over the rich in judgments. This too made him feel good. Every talk with John left him with a new idea in pretension. He was glad and happy John was there to show him the way to glory and fame. Riches were his, only fame and remembrance remained. John showed him the way. John was a gift from God!
Mark 6:21-27 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Herod kicked himself and considered the prospect of infamy. Why had he ruined such a good plan of outwardly working for good and truth but inwardly being only true to himself? Can anyone truly mimic a repentant heart? Is there any way to pretend God’s love without betraying the truth of selfishness some day and in some way? He had created a martyr! That was not good. Every martyr exacted a precious price. Usually the price of a martyr demanded the insecurity of the king, the disobedience of the people, and rebellion. Would the price of a truly repentant heart have cost more or less? Herod would never know by personal experience. He’d seen scores of people repent of their ways and suffer the terrible price of another’s unforgiving reprisals. The true nature of his kingdom and kingship could never see the light of day or the depths of a repentant heart and survive the repercussions. He was sorry to have made the mistake which cost John his life, but he was king! There was no scheme worth his dignity, no room for humility in kingly pride. He had done some good and would not forget the feeling of accomplishment and pride in righting wrong. Too bad it hadn’t lasted. He’d felt a certain affinity towards being just and merciful. Wasn’t that the role of king? Or was that just fancy? In all the schemes, alliances, and maneuverings he’d orchestrated to ensure fame and fortune was there any difference between the king and the commoner? Did not everyone scheme, ally, and maneuver themselves for better? Wasn’t everyone hampered by pride, hamstrung by selfishness, and hunted by death? Where was the line between king and commoner? Had there ever been a distinction?
“My Lord, have you heard? There’s a prophet of God preaching and ministering to the people. Some call him Elias, others call him Jesus.”
Herod declared that John was risen from the dead. His mistake was undone, his error was made right. There was no need to worry about disobedience, dissention, or rebellion. The king was back on his throne!
Luke 23:8-11 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Herod was glad to have another opportunity. But Jesus did no miracles, had no tales, and suggested no scheme. God had tugged at his heart through John. But Jesus had no discourse, no admonishment, and no message of grace. Why would he not answer the questions of the king? Why go silently unto death? Had Herod already had his questions answered, his chance at repentance gone by? Had he refused one crying in the wilderness to have one refuse his cry. No more of prophets! Give him up to Rome!
Is there any difference in the soul and spirit of commoner or king?
Was Herod’s pride worth the price? Beware the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
Bewail the thundering judgment of a mute God!
