NOTES for Mar 6:14-29
Into his narrative about the works of Christ, Mark inserts the story of the murder of John the Baptist by King Herod. This story might seem to be a simple historical note if it were not so instructive. This story with Herod is a good example of how much trouble a person's stubborn desire to live his own way, and not in accordance with God's ordinances, can bring.
Having violated the law of God, Herod takes as his wife the wife of his brother - Herodias. Do not think this happened through carelessness. Herod knew that this was forbidden, but he went ahead with the crime anyway.
Through His prophet, God denounces Herod. The reaction to the denunciation is the hatred of Herodias, the obvious accomplice in this sin, and the embarrassed attempt of an annoyed Herod to silence the prophet's voice by imprisonment.
As if apologizing for what he had done (but not at all wanting to give up the corrupt relationship), Herod gladly listens to John's speeches and even acts according to his advice in some matters. It would seem that "everyone is satisfied," but how unreliable such a state is!
The king's foolish promise gave free rein to Herodias's anger, and the last chance to correct the mistake shatters against Herod's desire to preserve his standing in the eyes of the leaders of the people. The result is yet another grave sin: the murder of God's prophet.
How will we act if someone points out our sin to us? If we are attached to sin, then when we are rebuked we will fight not the sin but the one who rebukes us.
Sooner or later we will have to choose: whether to walk the path of John or the path of Herod. If rebukes disturb us more than sin, we are in danger.