In this segment of the Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 Project, we are still implementing soap but in a “devotional manner.” We will still look at the text and draw our observations from the text and seek to apply faithfully. However, the whole segment will be done in a prayerful manner, seeking to engage our hearts and our minds upon Christ and His truth.
SOAP: Read Scripture > Observations on the Context > Apply Faithfully > Pray the Scripture
John’s Demise
But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. 9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. 10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
When Herod’s birthday came along, his young niece danced sensually—that is in a sexually provocative manner before Herod and “pleased” (more like sexually enticed!) Herod. As a result, he foolishly promised that he would give her whatever she asked. Her mother, Herod’s live-in “wife,” instructed her daughter to ask for the man she was bitter toward for exposing her sin: John the Baptist. Therefore, Herod, although he was sorry that he had to do so, commanded John the Baptist to be beheaded.
And then John’s disciples came, and took John’s body, buried it, and went to Jesus to tell Him the sad news….