(story told in Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9; 23:6-12)
Herod Antipas was a son of Herod the Great and the ruler of Galilee during the time of Jesus’ ministry. Like his father, he enjoyed power and wealth, but he often used them selfishly. Though he ruled under Rome’s authority, Herod was more concerned with his reputation than with doing what was right. His story in the Gospels shows how pride and fear can silence truth—and lead to regret.
Herod’s troubles began when he took Herodias, his brother’s wife, to be his own. John the Baptist boldly confronted him, saying it was wrong for him to live that way. Instead of repenting, Herod had John arrested. Yet, strangely, he liked listening to John’s words, even though they made him uneasy. Herod recognized that John was a righteous man, but his pride kept him from changing his ways.
One night, during a feast, Herod made a foolish promise. Herodias’s daughter danced before his guests, and he rashly vowed to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she demanded John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Though Herod was deeply distressed, he didn’t want to lose face in front of his guests, so he gave the order—and John was killed.
Later, when Herod heard about Jesus and His miracles, he became fearful, thinking John had come back to life. When Jesus was brought before him during His trial, Herod mocked Him, hoping to see a miracle, but Jesus remained silent.
Herod Antipas’s life warns against pride and compromise. He recognized truth but refused to follow it. His story reminds us that hearing God’s message means nothing unless we have the courage to obey it.