Matthew 14:1-12

“And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.” (Matthew 14:9, NKJV)

King Herod Antipas came from a family of power-hungry adulterers and murderers. His father was Herod the Great who killed all the male babies two years old and under in Bethlehem to try to eliminate the Messiah. He also killed his own sons when he felt they threatened his position.

But Herod Antipas was different than his father, even though he managed to keep the title of king. Philip was his half-brother, yet Herod seduced and stole Philip’s wife, Herodias. When John the Baptist spoke out against this unlawful relationship, Herod imprisoned John for the sake of Herodias. He was deceptive, selfish, and ambitious. And yet there was a side to Herod that respected John the Baptist. He was unwilling to kill John, even though Herodias was pressuring him to do so. He enjoyed listening to him—probably because he knew that John spoke the truth. But Herod never repented at John’s preaching. He was unwilling to renounce his sins.

This left him in a prime position to be deceived and manipulated by his wife who knew his weaknesses. On Herod’s birthday, when he had many important guests, Herodias sent in her daughter to perform a provocative dance. When she was done, Herod promised to give her anything she wanted. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. At once Herod was grieved that he made such a rash oath, but to save face in front of his friends and officials, he ordered an executioner to behead John. Herod murdered an innocent man and would forever bear his guilt.

We must remember that we have a cunning, deceitful, and powerful enemy who scrutinizes our weaknesses and knows how to craft the perfect temptation. We must especially be alert during those times of leisure when we are prone to let down our guard. That is when the devil usually strikes.

Are we on guard? Do we know how we are now being tempted? Our battle is over what we devote ourselves to. Are we devoted to Christ or to self? Are we watching and praying so that we do not fall into temptation?

“Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12–13, ESV)