Hearing God’s Word with puzzlement and pleasure
Thu, 10/06/2016 - 2:20pm
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By Mark D. Roberts, http://lifeforleaders.depree.org/
“Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.”
Mark 6:20
The story of Herod and John the Baptist is a curious one with a sad ending. Herod Antipas ruled over Galilee during the time of Jesus. He had scandalized his subjects by marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias.
John the Baptist boldly rebuked Herod, which angered Herodias and ultimately led her to bring about his death. Herod’s response to John was surprisingly ambivalent, however. According to Mark 6:20, Herod “feared” John. Moreover, though he was perplexed when he heard John’s preaching, Herod nevertheless “liked to listen to him” (the Greek reads, more literally, “listened to him gladly”). Strangely enough, Herod listened to God’s truth proclaimed by John with both perplexity and pleasure.
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