Anything She Wanted!
Matthew 14: 1-12
1 When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, 2 he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist
raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.”
3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip).
4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was
afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.
6 But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, 7 so he promised
with a vow to give her anything she wanted. 8 At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist
on a tray!” 9 Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he
issued the necessary orders. 10 So John was beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a tray and given to
the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told
Jesus what had happened.
1) What does this say about Herod Antipas?
He was the ruler of Galilee, a king. V1
He got to rule over part of daddy’s kingdom when daddy died. MAP
His daddy, Herod, was the richest man that ever lived. Owned the spice trade. HERODIUM
He seems to have followed in his father’s footsteps.
He knew about Jesus V1
He believed in miracles. V2
He was concerned/scared about the fact that he put John the Baptist to death. V2
He believed in reincarnation. V2
He imprisoned John as a favor to his wife V3
Herod had wanted to kill John for challenging his marriage to Herodias V3
Herod was afraid that if he killed John there would be a riot. V5
Herod had birthday party for himself. V6
Herod was “impressed” with his stepdaughter’s dancing “skills.”
Herod was so impressed with his stepdaughter that he promised to give her anything she wanted.
Kings often throw wild parties.
Kings of then get drunk at their own parties, which causes them to run their mouths.
Herod regretted his promise immediately.
Herod was trapped because everyone heard him, and he couldn’t back out and lose credibility.
Apparently, Herod, even though king, felt peer pressure.
Herod followed through and beheaded John the Baptist.
He became one of history’s biggest villains.
2) What does this say about Jesus?
Jesus had caused a big enough stir that Herod knew about him.
Jesus was known for doing miracles, even in the palace.
Jesus did not intervene miraculously for John the Baptist, but we’ve already studied that he thought a lot of John.
John’s disciples knew Jesus would want to know.
3) What does this say about Herodias?
She did not like people talking about her.
She was vindictive.
She was conniving.
She used others to get what she wanted (her own daughter.)
She literally had someone killed because they talked bad about her.
She became one of history’s biggest villainesses.
4) What does this say about John the Baptist?
John had chutzpah! (Extreme confidence or even audacity)
BUT, John may not have known when to say “enough.”
John was killed – the whole world has heard of John the Baptist.
John is forever known as the man who was not afraid to confront sin among the powerful, and lost his life for it.
5) In light of this information, what can I learn that will help me in my life? (any aspect!)
Jesus is always “around.” I must consider who he is and what his plan is.
God knows what people are up to.
God knows what I’m up to.
Even in death, I can’t be separated from God.
Power is hard to handle.
Wealth is hard to handle.
Beware of seductive women, really anything that seduces me.
I need to be careful about statements I make.
Sometimes I need to use/live out of my chutzpah.
Sometimes I need to know when it’s “enough” and control my chutzpah.
I need to pray often for wisdom. Jesus said he would give it to me.
I will not be remembered for how much money I made. I will be remembered for my relationships, my character, for
better or for worse.
6) Who can I share this information with?
My person of peace.