Truth And It’s Consequences
Mark 6:14-29
Intro - When the emperor Valens threatened Eusebuis with confiscation of all his goods, torture, banishment, and even death, the courageous Christian replied, "He needs not fear confiscation, who has nothing to lose; nor banishment, to whom heaven is his country; nor torments, when his body can be destroyed with one blow; nor death, which is the only way to set him at liberty from sin and sorrow." - Source Unknown.
Sometimes in the Christian life we will be faced with a choice, a choice between compromise and steadfastness. John the Baptist found himself at a place where he spoke up and spoke out and it literally cost him his head. In our last study of the Life of Jesus we followed Jesus back to His hometown of Nazareth. There we saw Him rejected by the people who had witnessed Him grow up. As we closed we saw that He did heal a few sick people in the town of Nazareth. In the verses 7-13 we read that Jesus sent out His disciples 2 by 2 and he empowered them to preach repentance, cast out demons and heal people. And they did just that.
As we have seen, week after week, Jesus’ fame is spreading abroad and now word has reached King Herod.- Background - v14 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 shew forth themselves in him. 15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, that it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.
This was a discussion about who Jesus is.
Some thought He was Elijah
Some thought He was another Prophet
Herod thought that He was John the Baptist resurrected
What we read here is a flashback in the mind of Herod Antipas. Though he had commanded others to carry out the task, he knew that he was the one who killed this great man of God - v16 but when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.It is extremely interesting that Herod would think that Jesus was a risen John the Baptist. you see, Herod was a Sadducee. The Sadducees denied the supernatural and did not believe in the resurrection.
I want to look at the elements of John’s tragic death and consider the thought “Truth And It’s Consequences” The first thing I would like to see is:
I. The Voice Of Truth - v16 but when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead.
Herod is taken back and begins to wonder if this miracle worker (Jesus) is a reincarnated John the Baptist. Let’s take a moment and remember who John was: John the Baptist was the "forerunner of Jesus Christ." God had a plan for John before he was born - Luke 1:15 for he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
John was a Prophet - Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.The subject of John’s preaching was repentance. He denounced the Sadducees and Pharisees as a "generation of vipers" John baptized many and his fame spread. We read in the gospels that Jesus came to be baptized of John. John spoke of the coming of the Messiah - John 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.Also, when speaking of Jesus, John stated that “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease”
John made one of the most important proclamations in the Bible in John 1:29 …John saw Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.The greatest testimony of John came from Jesus Himself - “Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist,” Matt. 11:11...........What a great character reference!!
John’s public ministry was abruptly halted when he was cast into prison by Herod. Though he was killed early in his ministry, his words ring true today! John certainly was THE VOICE OF TRUTH! Not only do we se “The Voice Of Truth”, We also see:
II. The Source Of Truth - v17 for Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his Brother Philip's wife: for he had married her. 18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. 19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
The purpose of his life was to “prepare the way for the Savior” - Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
John had a God given platform. God said “Behold, I send my messenger”. John was God’s man. The message he proclaimed was not his own… IT WAS God’s .........There are many men today who have a platform… Preachers, politicians, radio host’s, movie stars etc. They are in positions where they can be heard by many people. The problem is that in most cases these individuals use their platform for selfish gain or to promote their agenda. And it is common for those with a platform to stretch the truth or just outright lie to benefit themselves. (If you don’t believe me, just pay look around, it is an election year)
John had no personal agenda, his goal was to proclaim God’s message of repentance! With personal agendas often comes compromise. We find that there was no compromise in this man. Consider: Verse 18 - “For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife” - The phrase “had said” in verse 18 suggests a repeated action. John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” As mentioned, John’s message is not his own; rather it was the Word of God. “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife”
John could go straight to the scriptures to prove his case and confront Herod’s sin:
1) Leviticus 18:6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD.
2) Leviticus 18:16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife:
3) Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Though Herod did not like the fact that John exposed his sin, he still respected him. Consider: - v20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. Herod had a reverential fear of the Baptist. He knew that John was a genuine man of God who was holy and righteous. This is vitally important for us to grasp. Our opinions mean nothing, but the Word of God is sure and cannot be compromised!
It will not do you any good to stand up against: Murder, Drugs, Alcohol abuse, Abortion, Homosexuality or any other issue if you don’t have biblical facts. In fact if you try to conquer any of these issues apart from the Word of God you will do more damage than good. Your opinions don’t matter, my opinions don’t matter, and political agendas don’t matter …the only thing that matter is “thus saith the Lord”!!! Fortunately the Word does cover those issues in great detail. And when you have the Word to back you up, you can be steadfast and like Paul you can say “Let God be true and every man a liar”!! (Romans 3:4) .......You ask, “What is truth” … YOU HOLD ALL 66 BOOKS IN YOUR HAND!
Unfortunately truth is under attack in the church today. One study shows that:
o 67% of adults agree that there is no such thing as absolute truth.
o 52% of born again Christians think truth is relative.
o Over 75% of professing Christians reject the idea of absolute truth.
George Barna describes Absolute Truth this way - God has communicated a series of moral principles in the Bible that are meant to be the basis of our thoughts and actions, regardless of our preferences, feeling or situations “The virtual disappearance of this cornerstone of the Christian faith is probably the best indicator of the waning strength of the Christian church in America today.” Think of it, the church does not have itself anchored to the Word and so there is barely a noticeable difference from the church at large and secular society. (Source:http://www.letusreason.org/Current30.htm)
What is becoming common place (yes, even in the church) is called “relative truth”. Relative truth is a mindset that says “what is true to you may not be true to me”
Abraham Lincoln once used a very clever ploy to teach some people about truth. They had come to him with a decision that was based on suppositions rather than truth.After hearing their logic, Lincoln asked, “How many legs would a sheep have if you called its tail a leg?” They quickly answered, “Five!” The President then said, “No, it would only have four legs. Calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it one.” - {Source:Sermonillustrations.com}
You can call sin okay but it doesn’t make it right!
Man says …it is alright to live together without being married
Man says …men can marry men and women can marry women
Man says … it is ok to get drunk and “have a good time”
Man says … it is ok to partake in illegal drugs
Man says …it is ok to commit adultery
Man says …it is ok to kill unborn babies
GOD'S WORD SAYS OTHERWISE!!!!!
We read about the time of the Judges that - In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes. - Judges 17:6 - We are living in a similar day today! And when you stand up for truth …when you become a “Voice of Truth” you will face persecution. That is what John did and that is exactly what he faced. Consider:
III. The Enemies Of Truth - v21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; 22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23 And he sware unto her, whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, the head of John the Baptist. 25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. 26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
The death of John the Baptist occurred because of his stand for the truth. There have been enemies of truth since the beginning. When Satan deceived Eve in the Garden he took the truth and twisted it to fit his diabolical plan. . John faced several enemies that lead to the loss of his life:
A. Herod Antipas
He was the “tetrarch” (ruler of the fourth part) in Palestine. He ruled from 4 A.D. to 39 A.DHis father was Herod the Great who arranged the murder of all the infants in Bethlehem, after Jesus was born. then there was his wicked wife:
B. Herodias
Herodias’ story paints a vivid picture of a woman scorned. She was Herod’s:Sister-in-law, Half niece & Wife. She was married to his brother Phillip and left him for Herod. As we saw earlier, John confronted Herod and told him that was unlawful for him to have his brother’s wife. Herodias was furious at the fact that John would call out their sin.
She wanted John killed but Herod held that power - v19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not: 20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Without Herod’s approval she had not means of killing John so she had to get creative. I find that interesting, Herod didn’t like what John had to say but he respected him. Now enters the 3rd enemy in this group:
C. Herodias’ Daughter
Sometime after this as John was still imprisoned, Herod’s birthday arrived and there was a party. Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod, the soldiers and government leaders at the party. Apparently Herod REALLLLLLY like the dance, notice: - v22 {she} pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23 And he sware unto her, whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
Consider: Anger will cause you to make some very foolish decisions. Of all the things that she could have had she chose to help her mother. Herodias told her daughter to “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!” And she did just as her mother advised. Herod regretted what he had said because of the vow he couldn’t refuse her. - v27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.
WOW! Not the way we would like the story to end. A tragic end to a great man of God.
I remind you of the title of this sermon “Truth And It’s Consequences” Sometimes the consequences of standing for Jesus are severe physically speaking, but they are glorious spiritually speaking. Physically speaking his life was over - v29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.Spiritually speaking John lives on today. Obviously he is a man of God who possessed eternal life. But his short life had an impact for Jesus Christ that lives on 2,000 years later. In the past 30 min or so we have covered almost every detail of John’s life on earth. Though his life was relatively short and little was recorded John left a lasting legacy for Jesus Christ.
i. Are you willing to be a “Voice of Truth”?
Will you take a stand when it is becoming less and les popular and acceptable to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ? Will you shout it from the housetops; proclaim it from the mountaintops,? Will you tell the world around you that Jesus saves?Will you take a stand against those things that are an offense to your Heavenly Father?Better yet will you remove those things from you own life so that you CAN be a voice of truth?
ii. Do you know the “Source Of Truth”?
The psalmist says in - Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.Is the Word of God precious to you? Do you read it?Do you study it?Do you meditate upon it? DO YOU USE IT? The Word will give you all you need to stand up against the enemy! The Word is constant - Psalms 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. The Word will guide you - Psalms 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The Word will empower you - Psalms 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Jesus, when praying for His disciples proclaimed to The Father that “Thy Word is Truth” (John 17:17)
iii. Are you willing to face “The Enemies Of Truth”?
In John’s story we saw Herod, Herodias & her daughter. There was more to that persecution than meets the eye. Satan wanted John dead and these folks were used of him to accomplish this goal. Satan would like to annihilate any who would proclaim the Gospel. And if you know the “Source Of Truth” and you are willing to be a “Voice Of Truth” the you will encounter the “Enemy Of Truth” When you possess Christian boldness you will not be the most popular person around. When you take a stand for the things of God you may lose friends. When you take a stand it may hinder your chances of advancement in secular work. When you take a stand you may face isolation There are many difficulties that you may face as a result of standing for truth. We have recently witnessed this in our own country.
Reality T.V star Phil Robertson of the Duck Dynasty show on A&E gave an interview to GQ magazine. When asked about his views on homosexuality he gave some personal views but the issue that caused the most uproar was the scripture he quoted: 1 Corinthians 6:9 ¶Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Because of that (and the fact that he would not back down) the T.V network chose that it would be a good public relations move to take him off of the air. There are many other people who have taken a stand for the Word of God and have suffered financially, some have suffered physically and some have died as a result of persecution.
This type of attack on Christians is only going to get worse.This is not only on T.V; you may find yourself in a similar situation. Knowing the risk, I ask, Will you take a stand for truth? Are you willing to proclaim “Truth and endure Its Consequences”? …I hope so!
Like Paul let us proclaim “Let God be true and every man a liar”!!!
