Fear and Power.
The story told in the 6th chapter of Mark begins with the dilemma of who Jesus really and truly was. People just didn't know what to do with all the stories they had heard, and possibly even the healings and miraculous feedings they had observed. Who is this man of Nazareth called Jesus? 'Some say Elijah or one of the prophets of
old,' we are told.
But Herod was sure it was John the
Baptist, raised from the dead. And Herod
was afraid. The big guy was afraid. So much power, so much fear.
You see, for a man with so much power, Herod spent a great deal of
energy being afraid. He was afraid that
one of his sons would gain too much power and overthrow him (so he had them
killed). He was afraid that Rome would throw
him out of office. He was afraid that
John the Baptist was preaching the truth about his marriage/morality and folks would listen to him, a
rebellion would break out and undermine his power. He was afraid that John the Baptist was, in fact, a prophet (for Herod recognized him as a holy and righteous man) and there might be cosmic consequences for his actions. I believe in some corner of Herod's heart (a corner he apparently assiduously ignored) Herod was afraid of God.
It all started at a lavish banquet complete with a dancing
girl where Herod was afraid of looking weak in front of his rich acquaintances at his birthday feast. I imagine a large quantity of alcohol in an atmosphere of seduction led to his foolish promise, but now, Herod is haunted by that night. 'I will give you whatever you ask even to half of my kingdom" he promised. She wanted John's head. On a platter.
This is a young girl who will soon be married off to whomever pleases her parents. In most situations, she is counted among the powerless. But not that night. That night she had Herod right where she (or probably more accurately, her mother) wanted him. She was powerful because Herod was afraid.
Fear and Power. Power and fear. Did I mention they go together like hand in glove?
Mark 6.14-29
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