“Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was going on. He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, some that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen.” Luke 9:7-8 HCSB
Who was Herod? This Herod was known as Antipas. Herod the Great sought to and thought he did, kill Jesus in Bethlehem. He died soon afterward and his three sons ruled his territory. One of these sons was Antipas. He ruled during the whole life of Jesus. He was the one who beheaded John. He was the one who whipped Jesus and sent back to Pilate.
And now he is confused. People are talking and he as heard that John may still be alive.
“For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife! ” So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, because Herod was in awe of John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed, yet would hear him gladly. Now an opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. When Herodias’s own daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.” So he swore oaths to her: “Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” Then she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for? ” “John the Baptist’s head! ” she said. Immediately she hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter — right now! ” Though the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests he did not want to refuse her. The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.”
Mark 6:17-28 HCSB
I wonder if he began to study and learn the Old Testament scriptures to find out who Elijah was or who else these ancient prophets were? If He had studied the whole scripture He would have seen Jesus when the day came when Pilot sent Jesus to him.
It was not John or Elijah or one of the prophets that were doing all this amazing stuff, but Jesus working through the same power of God.
What if Christians were to walk in that same power? Would we look like Jesus?
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 HCSB
It is not about us but about bringing glory to God. The Ancient prophets did it. Elijah did it. John did it. Jesus did it. So should we! Does the world look at you and me and say, “They don’t look any different than me.” Or “There is something different about them.” Or “I know them they are uneducated but yet the power and wisdom of God is working through them.”?
“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13 HCSB
Herod saw something in John. Now he has heard that the same thing is working through the Jesus. Does the world see it in us?
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