Jesus miraculous power and popularity, John the Baptists executed (Matthew 14:1-12)

  Matthew 14:1-12;Mark 6:12-29

Mark 6:12-13) Preaching repentance, drove out demons, anointed sick with oil and healed them. Jesus is now famous (Mark 6:14) for miraculous powers at work in him. People speculate he is Elijah, a prophet like Moses (Mark 6:15).

Matthew 14:1-2) Herod tetrarch, hears about Jesus miraculous powers - "must be John the Baptist risen from dead"

• 3-5) John B (prophet) in prison for confronting Herod (hate/fear) against law w/ brothers wife Herodias. Herod feared/protected John, knowing him to be righteous and holy. When he heard John he was puzzled yet liked to listen to him (Mark 6:20). 
• 6-11) Herod's b-day promise (distress/pride/murder), Herodias daughter dance, mother request John's head. Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him (Mark 6:19).
• 12) John's disciples took his body, buried it, told Jesus

Application: John was jailed for being bold and speaking truth to power, yet he did it in a way that those he confronted liked listening to him. The impression he left them was knowledge of his righteousness and holiness. Herod in his power and pride was not stable in any of his convictions. Where do I lack self-control and follow through? How often do I lack stability in my convictions? I often feel like the man how looks at himself in a mirror and immediately forgets what I look like (James 1:23-24). Lord help me to see your law is freedom, to continue in it being an effective doer (James 1:25).

John was righteous and holy, from his birth - all the way to his execution (Luke 1:15,16). To that point, he was the greatest, yet we now have been given the opportunity to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, to be greater than he (Matthew 11:11). Jesus Feeds 5,000+ and Promise we will do more.

When we feel like we've lost everything we can go to Jesus like John's disciples did (Matthew 14:12). Jesus has been entrusted with all things from the Father (Matthew 11:27). So he says, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30).