Reread Matthew Chapter 14:1-12
Part 2: You Offended Me!!
John the Baptist was originally put in jail because he offended Herod the tetrarch for unlawfully marrying his brother’s wife. At first, Herod wanted to kill John the Baptist but didn’t because of the crowd seeing him as a prophet. So he put him in jail instead. But over time Herod grew very fond of John the Baptist.
Herod’s wife, Herodias, was apparently so offended by John the Baptist’s confrontation, that she harbored some very ill and hateful feelings against John. She was more than happy to see him dead since she asked her daughter to request John the Baptist’s head on a platter.
Herodias’s daughter, after dancing for Herod and the guest, pleased Herod so much that he said he’d give her whatever she asked. That’s when her mom said to ask for the head of John the Baptist to be placed on a platter and given to her. When she received the head on the platter she gave it to her mother.
John’s disciples came and took the body of John the Baptist and buried it and then told Jesus.
When is the last time you were offended and how did you respond?
1. Were you like Herod? Initially you were angry and upset. You even wanted to seek revenge but over time you calmed down and even found yourself growing more fond of the person who offended you? You were even able to work out your differences.
2. Or, like Herodias, do you harbor ill and hateful feelings. Forgiveness is not really a part of your vocabulary. Revenge or getting even is the path of your heart.
3. How you respond is really what you are teaching those who look up to you. Look at Herodias’s daughter who was easily influenced by her mom. Hate and revenge should not be a part of our response toward those who offend us.
4. John’s disciples did not seek revenge toward Herod. Instead, out of respect for John, they buried his body and then went to Jesus. Perhaps we can learn something from them. Maintain respect and go to Jesus with our hateful feelings! Seek the peace of Christ versus a battle of revenge and hate.
Perhaps you need to seek someone today and make right through forgiveness and prayer. Take it to Jesus.
