Holding A Grudge

Holding A Grudge

Mark 6: 14 – 29

Intro: A Judge was interviewing a woman regarding her pending divorce. He asked, “What are the grounds for your divorce?”

She replied, “About 4 acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by.”

“No,” he said, “I mean what is the foundation of this case?”

“It is made of concrete, brick and mortar,” she responded.

“I mean,” he continued, “What are your relations like?”

“I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so by my husband’s parents.”

He said, “Do you have a real grudge?”

“No,; she replied. “We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one.”

“Ma’am does your husband ever beat you up?”

“Yes,” she responded. “About twice a week he gets up earlier than I do.”

Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, “Lady, why do you want a divorce?”

“Oh, I don’t want a divorce. My husband does. He says that he can’t communicate with me.” (Illustration from SermonCentral)

I. Grudge = “a felling of ill will or resentment excited by some special cause as a personal injury or insult.”

A Herodias was a vindictive woman who nurtured a grudge against John the Baptiser.

B John told the truth about her and Herod and called her to answer for her sins. She didn’t want to hear the truth.

C Sometimes the truth about us hurts. We have held grudges not thinking about the consequences or how they might hurt someone else.

II Holding grudges often causes hurt to others because those who hold grudges don’t think about the consequences.

A Salome is the daughter of Herodias, step-daughter/niece of Herod who was encouraged by her mother to do a vulgar, solo dance for her step-father/uncle and his male guests.

B Herod was pushed into doing something he really didn’t want to do. He thought more of his drunken oath and saving face.

C John lost his head because of the grudge of a vindictive woman. He was innocent.

III We all know people like Herodias who hold grudges.

A Often they are people who are vocal about some decision that was made with which they do not agree; holding on to the past.

B Often we know that the grudge holders are wrong; but, we keep silent afraid of loosing face like Herod.

C It is a terrible thing to know God’s truths but choose to ignore them.

Concl: Believers in Christ Jesus should be more willing to follow the will of God than the will of the World. When a grudge turns to vengeance we must remember the words of Psalm 24: 3 – 4 “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false God.”