There are at least four reasons why Mark includes this story in his gospel, right now in this place. The first is to make us think about who Jesus really is. Mark accomplishes this by informing us of the public opinion of Jesus at the time. He will come back to this in chapter 8 at Caesaria Philippi which is a turning point in the gospel. When we readers are brought face to face with public opinion about Jesus we are forced to consider the question ourselves in light of what we've read so far. Who is Jesus?
The second thing Mark accomplishes by recounting this incident right here is to warn us about unbelief. Herod comes to the wrong conclusion about Jesus, not because of a lack of correct information. Herod has had much opportunity to listen to the message of John and has listened to him often. Herod's problem, then, is one of unbelief and hardness of heart. This is a warning to us readers. Don't be like Herod.
The third thing Mark is doing by telling us this story right now is reminding us that being a disciple of Jesus comes at a price. Jesus has just sent out the twelve for the first time. Before they return he tells us the story of how John's obedience to the will and mission of God cost him his life. Our obedience to Christ may cost us the same.
And, finally, the story is a foreshadowing. In verse 29 John's disciples take his body and lay it in a tomb. The same will happen with Jesus. Mark is, in a very subtle way, pointing toward the death of Christ at the end of his gospel.
Below you will find the link to the audio recording of the sermon I preached from this passage. Just click on it to live stream or to download the sermon for later. God bless you.
Click here: Mark 6:14-29 - The Death of John the Baptist
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