Matthew 14:1-12
14: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
Reflection
John’s criticism of Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias—the wife of his own half brother Philip— had offended the new royal couple (Matt. 14:3–5). Though Herod had already imprisoned John, Herodias took advantage of the opportunity to permanently silence the prophet, and had him executed (vv. 6–11).
This section provides the conclusion of John’s story in the book of Matthew. Though he remained faithful to the truth, it did not protect him from the injustices of the world. His death was a shadow of what would soon follow in the life of Jesus himself: “they did not recognize [John], but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands” (17:12). God’s people are not promised freedom from pain in this life. We are promised, rather, the resources we need to endure our trials (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:7). This world may do to us whatever it pleases, but if we are in Christ, we not only share in his sufferings, but one day we will share in the complete restoration that comes with his resurrection (Phil. 3:10–11). Let us have faith and press on!
Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Reflection
Paul’s arguments in Romans 9–11 end with an eruption of praise to God for his wisdom in the way he has designed salvation (11:33). Paul has just shown us that God’s word has not failed (9:6); he has not broken a single promise to Israel. Despite the fact that most Jews are rejecting God’s salvation (10:14–11:10), God faithfully continues his commitment to freely choose and save people regardless of their ethnicity or good works (9:6–26). Among those receiving this amazing grace are a small remnant of ethnic Jews (9:27; 11:1–6), and in the end “all Israel will be saved” (11:26). God’s word is trustworthy; he has not abandoned his people.
Not that any of us, including Paul, can understand and explain everything— but when we have reached the limits of our knowledge, we can stand amazed with joy and hope and wonder at God and his gospel. God is working things out, regardless of how it may appear at times, and he will be forever praised in the end (11:36). His people can rejoice and rest secure in his gospel promises. The end result of Romans 9–11 is not academic discussion or theological argument, but worship.
Psalm 9:1-2
9: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Sometimes when we consider who God is and what he has done, we should simply tell him how wonderful we think he is. Make a list of several reasons why you think God is amazing, and spend some time in prayer doing nothing but talking to him about why you love and worship him.