Herod’s Regret and John’s Courage — A Story of Conscience and Choices (Mark 6:14-29)
As Jesus became more well-known, people began asking questions: “Who is this man?” Some said He was a prophet. Others thought He might be Elijah. But King Herod had a different—and much more troubling—thought. He believed Jesus might be John the Baptist raised from the dead.
Why would Herod think that? Because he knew what he had done. And his guilty heart couldn’t shake it.
This is the story of Herod, John the Baptist, and a decision Herod wished he could take back.
Herod’s Fear
Herod was a powerful man, but he wasn’t at peace. When he heard about Jesus’ miracles and teachings, he immediately thought of John the Baptist. He had John killed, and now he was afraid that John had somehow come back.
This shows us something important: even when people seem strong on the outside, they can still be deeply troubled inside. Herod couldn’t forget what he did—and it haunted him.
Why John Was in Trouble
John the Baptist had spoken out against Herod. Herod had taken his brother’s wife, Herodias, and married her—and John boldly said it was wrong. Herod didn’t like being called out, but strangely, he still liked listening to John. He knew John was a good man.
But Herodias was furious. She wanted John dead. And she waited for the right moment to get her way.
A Party, A Promise, and a Deadly Request
One day, Herod threw a big birthday party. There was food, drinking, and entertainment. Herodias’s daughter danced for the guests, and Herod was so impressed that he made a dramatic promise: “Ask me for anything, and I’ll give it to you—even half my kingdom!”
The girl asked her mother what to request. Herodias told her to ask for John the Baptist’s head on a plate.
Herod was shocked. He didn’t want to kill John. But because he had made the promise in front of his guests, he didn’t want to look weak. So, sadly, he gave the order—and John was executed.
What We Can Learn
This story may be disturbing, but it teaches us some powerful lessons:
- A guilty conscience is heavy. Herod was haunted by what he did, even though he tried to move on.
- Truth can be costly. John the Baptist stood up for what was right, even though it eventually cost him his life.
- Pride and pressure can lead to bad choices. Herod didn’t want to kill John—but he cared more about what others thought than doing what was right.
Final Thoughts
Herod had power, but no peace. John had no power, but he had courage and integrity.
This story challenges us to think about our own choices:
- Do we let fear or pride guide us?
- Are we willing to stand for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular?
- Are we listening to that inner voice—our conscience—or trying to ignore it?
God invites us to live with clear hearts and honest lives. And when we mess up, He doesn’t want us to run from our guilt—He wants us to bring it to Him, find forgiveness, and start again.
Reflection Question:
Have you ever felt pressured to do something you knew wasn’t right? What helped you—or what do you wish you had done differently?
Mark 6:14-29 (WEB)
6:14 King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.” 16 But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.” 17 For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. 18 For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias set herself against him and desired to kill him, but she couldn’t, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.21 Then a convenient day came when Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.”24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.”25 She came in immediately with haste to the king and requested, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.”26 The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded to bring John’s head; and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother.29 When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse and laid it in a tomb.