Losing their heads

The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted. So he had John beheaded in prison. The head was brought in on a plate and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. (verses 9-12)

Read Matthew 14:1-12

Herod lost his head. He wanted to reward the girl who had besotted him with her seductive dancing. Caught up in the excitement of the moment he made a rash promise and then had to follow through or lose face with his guests.

John the Baptist lost his head as a result. He was summarily executed, and his severed head was presented on a platter to the scheming mother and daughter. His crime was the courage to denounce the immoral relationship between Herod and his sister-in-law, Herodias.

Herodias lost her head too. Consumed by a lust for revenge, she took an opportunity to destroy the man who pointed out her shame.

When Jesus heard about all this, he went away on his own. He would have grieved the loss of his cousin. He would also have grieved over human sinfulness. He knew that because of human faithfulness he too would have to die, lose his head, in recompense for the sins of the world.

Because of this sacrifice, we get to keep our heads.

 Dear God, I repent of my sins, both impetuous and premeditated, and thank you for your forgiveness. Amen.

by Richard Hauser, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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