King Herod liked to hear John preach, and he was even interested in learning about Jesus. But he didn’t want to hear about Jesus as the “King” of God’s people. Herod was the king of the Jews (or so he thought)! Also, he really didn’t like John’s message about his divorce and remarriage. King Herod ignored his words and refused to repent. In fact, he had his soldiers capture John and lock him in prison.

Herod didn’t plan on killing John. He just wanted John to stop preaching against him. Herod’s new wife, however, wanted him dead. So, when she had the chance to make that happen, she did. One night Herod was having a big birthday bash. All the important men of the city were there. This played right into the wicked plans of Herod’s wicked wife. Her daughter did a special dance in front of all the men. Herod was so pleased with the dance that he told the girl, “Ask me for anything, and I’ll give it to you.” He vowed to do whatever she wanted. So she went out of the room and asked her mom, “What should I ask for?” Her mom said, “The head of John the Baptist” (see Mark 6:24). Crazy, huh? Awful, right? Crazier and more awful still, the daughter then stood before Herod and said, “Cut off John’s head and serve it to me on a platter!” Now, because Herod had promised to do whatever she asked (and because he was afraid of what his important guests might think of him), he gave the order to do what she asked. John’s head was cut off and brought to the girl, who brought it to her mother. A terrible and disgusting gift.

Jesus taught that we are blessed when we suffer for God’s kingdom and that the reward for the righteous (like John!) is great in heaven (see Matt. 5:11–12). When the soldiers locked John in prison, I’m sure it was hard to suffer and trust God’s promise. And when they came to cut off his head, he had to know that his reward would not be in this life. John’s life on earth ended, but his life in heaven (that very moment) started. Though it might have looked like the good guy lost at Herod’s party, good will triumph over evil in the end. When Jesus returns God’s enemies won’t win anymore and evil will be destroyed. Praise God that Jesus wins!