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Mark 6:14-29 “The Nature of Sin”

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5–8 minutes

Mark 6:14-29 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

News about Jesus reached Herod, the tetrarch who ruled over Galilee at the time. His full name was “Herod Antipas” (or “Antipater”), and he was the seventh son of Herod the Great. In A.D. 6, the Roman emperor appointed him as the ruler of Galilee and Perea. Since Herod the Great’s kingdom was divided into four parts and distributed among his sons, his official title was “tetrarch” (a ruler who governs only a portion of a territory).

As news about Jesus spread, people speculated that John the Baptist had risen from the dead. Others believed that Elijah, who had been taken up to heaven without experiencing death, had returned. Some thought that Jesus was one of the prophets (verse 15). Upon hearing these rumors, Herod Antipas grew fearful and said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen!” (verse 16).

At this point, Mark explained why Herod was so afraid, believing that John the Baptist had come back to life. Herod Antipas was originally married to a Nabatean princess. However, during a visit to Rome, he stayed at the house of his half-brother, Philip, and became infatuated with Philip’s wife, Herodias. Herodias, dissatisfied with her politically unambitious husband, was also drawn to Herod Antipas, and the two quickly became involved. Not long after, Herod Antipas divorced his wife and married Herodias. Herodias was the granddaughter of Herod the Great, making her both the wife of his half-brother and his niece by blood.

Through this marriage, Herod Antipas violated two aspects of Jewish law. First, by coveting his brother’s wife, he broke the Tenth Commandment. Second, marrying his niece constituted an incestuous union, which was also forbidden. Because of this, the Jewish people despised Herod. John the Baptist openly condemned Herod for this sin (verse 18). Though Herod recognized John as a righteous and holy man (verse 20) and hesitated to take action against him, as public criticism intensified, he had John arrested and imprisoned (verse 17). While Herod had no initial intention of executing John, Herodias held a deep grudge against him and waited for the right opportunity to have him killed. When the chance arose, Herodias manipulated the situation through her daughter, ensuring that Herod could not refuse her demand. As a result, John was executed (verses 21-28).

The phrase “The king was greatly distressed” (verse 26) reveals Herod’s inner turmoil. After ordering John’s execution, Herod feared that he might face divine punishment for his actions. Later, when he heard reports about Jesus, his anxiety deepened. He wondered if John the Baptist had returned from the dead, causing him to be gripped with fear.

Meditation:

The words of James 1:15 come to mind: “Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Herod Antipas and Herodias’ desires gave birth to sin. They may have called it love, but it was not love—it was lust and adultery. Their actions likely caused deep wounds to many people. And as sin grew, it led to an even greater evil—the murder of John the Baptist. Their sin did not stop at their own wrongdoing but escalated into a grave injustice. Ultimately, they committed a great and unforgivable sin.

Upon hearing the news about Jesus, Herod Antipas trembled in fear, believing that John the Baptist, whom he had executed, had come back to life. This clearly indicates that after John’s death, Herod could not live in peace—his conscience was tormented by guilt and fear. Though John suffered physical death because of their schemes, Herod and Herodias ultimately faced eternal death. Their sin did not end with John’s execution; it led them further into spiritual ruin, separating them from God’s grace forever.

Human sinful nature always operates in the same way. This is why we must be sensitive even to the smallest sins. The saying is true: “There is no sin too great for God to forgive, but there is also no sin so small that it does not matter to God.” Any sin, when left unchecked, can grow into something far more destructive. When we stand before God with a repentant heart, He is always ready to forgive. However, for those who refuse to repent, even the smallest sin can become a serious problem, leading them further away from God’s grace.

That is why we must remain honest before God daily, examining ourselves to see if there are any “small, insignificant, trivial, or seemingly unimportant” sins in our hearts. We must be careful not to justify or rename sin to make it seem less serious or avoid the conviction that comes from it. Instead, we should humbly and truthfully reflect on ourselves, allowing God’s light to reveal anything that needs repentance. Only through such honesty can we walk in true righteousness before Him.

Prayer:

Holy God, we live in a time where sin is glorified and celebrated. Yet, we hold fast to the words of the Apostle Paul: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) We earnestly pray—help us to be sensitive to sin, not desensitized by the world around us. Purify our hearts and make us holy, just as You are holy. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even small sins can grow into big problems if we ignore them. Just like Herod and Herodias let their selfish desires lead them into greater sins, we must be careful to recognize and turn away from sin in our own lives. God calls us to be holy and honest before Him, repenting of even the smallest wrongs.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary (Alternate Bible Story – John the Baptist)
    • Who was John the Baptist? What was his role?
    • How can we prepare the way for Jesus, who will return?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • Why do you think Herod ignored his conscience and let others pressure him into sin?
    • How can we be more aware of sin in our lives without being afraid or discouraged?
  • For High School
    • The world often renames or justifies sin—how do you see this happening in today’s culture?
    • Romans 12:2 says to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” How can we practically do this in our daily lives?

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