Even in Darkness
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.””
Today’s Text: Matthew 14:1-12 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
When the tetrarch Herod Antipas begins to hear about the miracles of Jesus, he becomes afraid, for his guilt leads him to believe that there might be a chance that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod had previously arrested John because John publicly rebuked him for marrying Herodias, who had been his brother’s wife. John declared the marriage unlawful for it was a result of an adulterous relationship between the two. The public rebuke left Herod and Herodias furious, for they felt humiliated by the prophet. In response, Herod had John arrested and desired to execute him, but he was afraid of the response of the people. Herod knew the reputation John had among the people and feared angering them. Nevertheless, he kept John imprisoned, at the very least to keep his newly wedded wife satisfied.
At Herod’s birthday party, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased Herod. In response, Herod promised to give the daughter whatever she wanted. Persuaded and prompted by her mother, the daughter asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Conflicted, Herod then ordered the execution to save face before his guests. John was beheaded in prison, his head brought on a platter and presented before the tetrarch and his wife. The disciples took his body to bury it and informed Jesus in the process.
John the Baptist was tasked as the forerunner of Jesus. We are first introduced to him as the forerunner in Matthew 3:3 where it says, “This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” He was to pave the way for the people in preparation for Jesus’ entrance. At first glance, this passage in the beginning of Matthew 14 may feel dark and tragic, but in reality, the bold prophet’s death is the final brick laid on the road to Jesus. It was a shadow of the cross.
John spoke the truth about sin, specifically regarding Herod and Herodias’ unlawful marriage. He confronted their immoral relationship and chose not to compromise. Herod, in response, silenced him to protect himself, even though he knew John was a righteous man. This is a shadow of Pontius Pilate, who also recognized Jesus as a righteous man yet chose to give in to pressure and reputation.
Even in the darkness of this passage, God’s plan was clearly at work. What Herod meant for harm became part of the path that led to Jesus. John faithfully spoke truth, even when it cost him his life. Jesus would later take the ultimate step even further, not just confronting sin but conquering it on the cross for us.
This morning, God calls us to stand firm in our convictions even when it seems dark. We are called to follow the Word of God and to never compromise on the truth. We must continue to trust in God’s sovereign grace, knowing that everything is done according to His ultimate plan and purpose. There is nothing negative in the plan of God, for all things are predestined for good. Even in moments of darkness, suffering, or uncertainty, God’s sovereign hand is at work. What others may see as loss or tragedy, God uses to accomplish His perfect purposes. Let us therefore trust in God’s wisdom and grace, knowing that every step, every trial, and every challenge is woven into His plan for our good and His glory.
