Mark 6:14-29
The Death of a Conscience
And King Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, that John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!”
For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not;
for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
Introduction – Death Becomes Her
On Friday, May 23 2008, Val Thomas’ heart stopped three times. She’d had no brain waves for over 17 minutes. Her skin had started to harden and her fingers had started to curl. Death had set in. Doctors at the West Virginia hospital say that Thomas had less than a ten percent chance of survival. Her family said their goodbyes, although still praying for a miracle. As the nurses began removing the tubing in Thomas’ arm, Val Thomas coughed and then began speaking. God had other plans for Val Thomas than death. Thomas, who is expected to recover, says, ‘I feel very blessed. I know God has something in store for me, another purpose. I don’t know what it is but I’m sure he’ll tell me.’
There are several types of death. There is physical death, emotional death, marital death, and even the death of a conscience. Just as Val Thomas experienced physical death there are some who experience and live with a dead conscience. Scripture tells us we can sear or cauterize our conscience. Such is the case of Herod Antipas.
Let’s examine this parenthetical passage of scripture today. It is set between the disciples accomplishing great things in the Lord at His direction and the miraculous feeding of the multitudes. This concludes the story of John’s life and ministry as the one who prepares the way for the Lord.
The death of a conscience…
Starts with a Decision 17-20
The nature of man is not inherently good. To listen to the politicians of today EVERYONE is good by nature. But the scripture indicates otherwise! The Word states emphatically that ALL have sinned and are sinners according to Romans 3:23. We are born in sin, live in sin and will die in our sin unless we repent and place our faith in Christ who died for us.
I would like for you to note first of all…
Herod’s Wickedness
The Book of Proverbs exhorts us to seek wisdom while it may be found. Notice what Proverbs 5:1-6 states. “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; Lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. Lest you ponder her path of life— her ways are unstable; you do not know them.”
Then Proverbs 7:24-27 states, “Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.”
It almost seems that Herod Antipas didn’t stand a chance! He grew up in a horrible family. It was a family we would describe today as a maliciously dysfunctional family. The sins of his father were perpetuated upon him. Yet we find he chose this lifestyle.
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great, the half-brothers of Aristobulus (of which Herodias was his daughter) and Philip. He was the brother-in-law and half-uncle to Herodias and a half-great uncle to Salome. If that wasn’t confusing enough then Herod Antipas, one of three Tetrarchs (his brothers being the other two), stole Herodias from Philip and divorced his wife who was the daughter of the King of Petra, Aretas IV. It was for this reason that John the Baptist confronted Herod Antipas for his adultery!
We generally think that things like this only happen back in “those” days. Consider the following:
Illustration – BILL WYMAN, of The Rolling Stones
The April 12, 1993, issue of Newsweek unknowingly reported the signs of the times. Bill Wyman, of The Rolling Stones, married his son’s wife’s daughter, a woman 34 years his junior. Her mother married Wyman’s son, Stephan, a man 16 years her junior. That makes Stephan his father’s son-in-law and his mother-in-law his stepmother.
Sinful wickedness knows no era. For ALL have sinned!
Through all of this we observe…
God’s Word
John the Baptist faithfully proclaimed God’s Word. He spoke frankly and passionately concerning sin and its consequences. The Word intrigued and captivated Herod Antipas as he listened to John in chains.
Through John, Herod Antipas heard…
God’s Warning
Because of John’s faithfulness, Herod will be without excuse! He was confronted and advised to repent! But he refused God’s offer.
Finally, we see…
John’s Witness
He remained faithful until death! John suffered while in prison but the glory of his faithfulness speaks even today!
God has not called us to “Americanized success” but godly faithfulness. We are to remain faithful in our marriages and our ministries. We should be living lives that honor the God who saved us! Stay faithful to Him!
Illustration – Another Gulf War!
In March of 1995, two American businessmen crossed the border between Iraq and Kuwait. Though they claimed they didn’t know the border was there … or that they might be arrested … they were arrested. The border (the one they did not know about) was clearly marked by a continuous, uninterrupted ditch, ten feet deep and ten feet wide with a 15 foot berm on one side. Signs were also posted at several intervals, in several languages. While stewing in an Iraqi prison, they pleaded for help from the outside. They implored those on the other side of the border they crossed to come to their aid. Help finally came; they were released and sent home.
God has given us clear warnings about pursuing “the wages of sin.” It is discerned through God’s Word, God’s warnings and man’s godly, uncompromising witness.
Please understand that the decisions you make affects eternity…both yours and others. Stay faithful to Jesus. Note also that Herod toyed with spiritual decisions. He talked with John on a regular basis. Yet, he did not take eternity seriously. Don’t follow Herod Antipas’ example!
Then we find that the death of a conscience…
Continues in Deceit 21-29
Herod threw himself an outstanding birthday bash. Everyone of importance, in his eyes, was there. He entertained the men with food, fun and flesh.
Herod was Profane! Hollywood would have been proud of him! Why, he entertained the men with professional dancers and marvelous drink. He spared no expense!
But we also find Antipas Shameless! He allowed a young girl, his own great-niece, to dance like a prostitute. She ought to have been protected by both Herod Antipas and her mom, Herodias. But there was no shame in this family. Herodias had a plan and brazenly used her daughter to accomplish her hatred for John the Baptist.
Sadly, we find Herod Antipas Degenerate! He allowed Herodias to play him for a fool. He became intoxicated in his revelry and boasted a regretful oath to Salome after her sexual dance. Herodias used her young daughter to secure the head of her enemy John. Herod had become so degenerate and prideful that he refused to withdraw his oath. He would lose his “honor” in front of his guests should he relent of the pledge. Thus, John’s death was secured by a wretch (Herodias) who despised God and His servant.
Illustration – Family Tradition
The Smith’s were proud of their family tradition. Their ancestors had come to America on the Mayflower. Their line had included Senators, Pastors, & Wall Street wizards. Now they decided to compile a family history, a legacy for the children. They hired a well known author. Only one problem arose: how to handle that great-uncle George who was executed in the electric chair. But the author said not to worry, he could handle that section of history tactfully. When the book appeared, the family turned to the section on Uncle George. There, they read "George Smith occupied a chair of applied electronics at an important government institution, was attached to his position by the strongest of ties, and his death came as a real shock."
Don’t be deceived in your sin. Listen and respond to the life-giving words of a wonderful savior!
Then we find that the death of a conscience…
Wraps itself in Denial 14-16
Herod Antipas was Guilty of John’s death and saw Jesus as the resurrected John the Baptist. He was guilt ridden and didn’t know how to deal with it.
Herod was also Miserable. Notice in verses 14 and 16 that scripture records Antipas’ words concerning John the Baptist. His conscience was stricken because of what he had done. He just “knew” that Jesus was John!
Herod was completely Tormented. He was guilty, miserable and tormented. His life was filled a mess. Jesus died for people like Herod. But Herod had sealed his fate for eternity.
Illustration - Taxpayer
There is the story of a taxpayer who needed to ease his conscience. "A taxpayer wrote to the Internal Revenue Service, "I have not been able to sleep well for two years. Here is my check for $1,200 for back taxes." He even signed his name, then added a short P.S. "If I don’t sleep better in a week, I will send you another $1,200. He had to do something to relieve his guilt, but he didn’t want to do too much".
A conscience is bothered when a person lies, steals and cheats. Should someone do those things on a regular basis their conscience becomes desensitized to the Holy Spirit. Guilt will make us do unusual things. We hear and see things, which are not there, when we are guilty. King David knew when the Prophet said, “You are the man” that he was guilty. If your conscience is bothering you, don’t quench the Holy Spirit who may be convicting you.
And finally, the death of a conscience…
Eventually ends in Death Luke 23:6-12
Herod looked forward to meeting with Jesus. He wanted to see the miracles he had heard about. But we find that his examination of Jesus brought him no answer, no miracle and no life.
Herod Antipas’ conscience had been seared and cauterized long before he met with Jesus. But one thing is certain: Herod Antipas will stand before Jesus one day and recall with deep sorrow the death of his conscience.
Illustration - Zimbabwean bus driver
A Zimbabwean bus driver, transporting inmates from a mental hospital in Harare to another in Bulawayo, stopped at a bar for a drink. Returning to his bus, he discovered all 20 of his wards had escaped.
Fearing the consequences, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered a free ride to everyone who wanted one; he then delivered them all to Bulawayo. Hurriedly, he informed hospital workers the patients were very agitated and making bizarre claims. It took the hospitals three days to discover the deception.
In these last days there is great deception. Everyone wants a free ride but few are willing to do it God’s way. These deceivers travel, picking up anyone wanting a free ride to eternity, delivering them to Satan. Their conscience has died because of the decisions they made along the way.
Eternity is only entered through the death, burial and resurrection of the One who dwelt among us. John 14:6. Repent and place your faith in Christ.
