When we read the Gospels, we need to think vertically and horizontally. For example, when I think vertically, I ask myself why the story of John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14:1-12) is recorded here. It is because the context is talking about rejection of Jesus as the Messiah (Ch 11-16). John the Baptist is the forerunner of the Messiah (Matthew 17:11-13). So, the death of the forerunner precedes the death of the Messiah. When I think horizontally, I remember John 6 also recorded the miracle of feeding 5,000. However, John inserted a follow up discussion about Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:25-71). The miracle is the climax of Jesus’ ministry but the discussion turned many followers away.
In the miracle of feeding 5000, we observe that God sometimes makes unreasonable request just to see if we can rely on Him to finish His work.
Mike
Herod as the king of Judea is very different than Jesus as the king of the kingdom of heaven. Herod fears his people (v.5) and not killing John. Jesus has compassion on his people and feeds them and heals the sick (v.14). What kind of leader you want to be? The difference shows when pressure comes to Herod v.9 and he no longer honors the wish of his people. Christian leaders, do we lead others out of fear of men? If so, we will change our plan easily when we face a larger fears (in Herod's case, his guest give him more pressure than his people).
Audrey
In the miracle of feeding 5000, we observe that God sometimes makes unreasonable request just to see if we can rely on Him to finish His work.
Mike
Herod as the king of Judea is very different than Jesus as the king of the kingdom of heaven. Herod fears his people (v.5) and not killing John. Jesus has compassion on his people and feeds them and heals the sick (v.14). What kind of leader you want to be? The difference shows when pressure comes to Herod v.9 and he no longer honors the wish of his people. Christian leaders, do we lead others out of fear of men? If so, we will change our plan easily when we face a larger fears (in Herod's case, his guest give him more pressure than his people).
Audrey
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