Matthew 14:11
John's head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
John's head
This phrase is a stark and somber reminder of the cost of prophetic ministry and the reality of persecution for righteousness. John the Baptist, a forerunner of Christ, was beheaded for his bold proclamation of truth. The Greek word for "head" is "kephalē," which not only refers to the physical head but also symbolizes leadership and authority. John's beheading signifies the world's rejection of divine authority and truth, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

was brought
The act of bringing John's head signifies the fulfillment of Herodias's vengeful request. The Greek verb "pherō" implies carrying or bearing, often used in the context of bearing burdens. This act of bringing the head is laden with the burden of guilt and the weight of sin, illustrating the moral decay and corruption of Herod's court.

on a platter
The use of a "platter" (Greek: "pinax") highlights the grotesque nature of the event. In ancient times, a platter was used for serving food, symbolizing hospitality and celebration. Here, it is perverted into an instrument of death and mockery, underscoring the perversion of justice and the trivialization of human life in Herod's banquet.

and presented
The word "presented" (Greek: "didōmi") indicates a formal offering or giving. This presentation is not a gift of honor but a display of cruelty and malice. It reflects the twisted values of Herod's court, where human life is devalued, and evil is celebrated.

to the girl
The "girl" (Greek: "korasion") refers to Herodias's daughter, traditionally known as Salome. Her involvement in this gruesome act highlights the moral corruption that can permeate family and society. It serves as a cautionary tale about the influence of ungodly environments on the young and impressionable.

who carried it
The act of carrying (Greek: "pherō") the head further implicates the girl in the crime, showing her compliance with her mother's wicked desires. This action symbolizes the transmission of sin and the perpetuation of evil through generations, a theme echoed in the warnings of the prophets.

to her mother
The phrase "to her mother" underscores the driving force behind this heinous act—Herodias's vindictive spirit. Herodias's manipulation of her daughter to achieve her ends is a powerful illustration of the destructive power of sin and bitterness. It serves as a warning against harboring unforgiveness and the lengths to which it can drive a person.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Baptist
A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptism. He was imprisoned and executed by Herod Antipas.

2. Herod Antipas
The tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. He was influenced by his unlawful wife, Herodias.

3. Herodias
The wife of Herod Antipas, formerly married to his brother Philip. She harbored a grudge against John the Baptist for condemning her marriage to Herod.

4. Herodias' Daughter (Traditionally known as Salome)
She performed a dance that pleased Herod, leading to her request for John the Baptist's head at her mother's behest.

5. The Event of John's Beheading
This event marks a significant moment of persecution against God's prophets and serves as a foreshadowing of the suffering that Jesus and His followers would endure.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Righteousness
John the Baptist's unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness led to his martyrdom. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, even when it leads to persecution.

The Influence of Sin
Herodias' grudge and Herod's weakness illustrate how sin can lead to destructive decisions. Christians must guard their hearts against bitterness and manipulation.

The Power of Influence
Herodias' daughter was used as a tool for her mother's vengeance. This highlights the importance of using our influence for good and being wary of those who may lead us astray.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Despite the tragic circumstances, God’s purposes prevail. Believers can trust that God is sovereign, even in times of suffering and injustice.

The Legacy of Faithfulness
John the Baptist's legacy is one of faithfulness and courage. Christians are encouraged to leave a legacy of faith that points others to Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the account of John the Baptist's death challenge you to stand firm in your faith, even in the face of opposition?

2. In what ways can bitterness and grudges, like those of Herodias, impact our decision-making and relationships today?

3. How can we ensure that our influence on others is positive and aligned with biblical principles?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or injustice. How can the sovereignty of God provide comfort and hope in such situations?

5. What steps can you take to leave a legacy of faithfulness like John the Baptist, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 6:14-29
Provides a parallel account of John the Baptist's beheading, offering additional details about Herod's internal conflict and the influence of Herodias.

Matthew 11:11
Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist, emphasizing his greatness among those born of women, which underscores the tragedy of his unjust death.

Hebrews 11:36-38
Reflects on the suffering and martyrdom of the prophets, including John, as part of the faith journey of God's people.

Revelation 6:9-11
Describes the souls of the martyrs under the altar, crying out for justice, which can be seen as a continuation of the theme of righteous suffering.
A ChargerJ. MorisonMatthew 14:1-11
A Court PreacherE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Blundering WickednessW. V. Kelley.Matthew 14:1-11
Bold in ReproofGurnall.Matthew 14:1-11
Compromising Court PreachersE. Bersier, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a PreacherH. B. Hooker, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience a TormentorBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience and the Moral LawT. Sherlock, D.D.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience in Defiance of Sceptical DecrialDr. Thomas.Matthew 14:1-11
Conscience-FearsH. R. Haweis.Matthew 14:1-11
ContrastVernon W. Hutting, B. A.Matthew 14:1-11
DancingBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Dislike of Faithful RebukeMatthew 14:1-11
Faithful PrelatesJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Fidelity Often ProvokesM. Henry.Matthew 14:1-11
Head in a ChargerMatthew 14:1-11
Herod a HypocriteBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod, a Man Governed by FearJ. P. Norris.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod; Or, the Power of ConscienceT. Kelly.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's BirthdayJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Marriage with HerodiasMatthew 14:1-11
Herod's OathJ. Morison, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Herod's Sorrow At Death of the BaptistJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Influence of BallsS. S. Teacher's JournalMatthew 14:1-11
Known by Our PleasuresBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Like Mother, Like DaughterJohn Trapp.Matthew 14:1-11
Martyrdom of John BaptistS. W. Skeffington, M. A.Matthew 14:1-11
Monarchs Subject to LawJ. Morison.Matthew 14:1-11
Need of Ministerial FaithfulnessH. Smith.Matthew 14:1-11
Reproving the RichD. Thomas, D. D.Matthew 14:1-11
Salome's Death RetributiveDean Plumptre.Matthew 14:1-11
The Church Built and Enlarged by Humble But Heroic Fidelity to TruthE. Bersier, D. DMatthew 14:1-11
The Dead Prophet Yet AliveW. V. Kelley.Matthew 14:1-11
The Last Struggle of ConscienceDean Plumptre.Matthew 14:1-11
The Rewards and Punishment of Religion are in the Present as Well as in the FutureT. Sherlock, D.D.Matthew 14:1-11
The Terrors of ConscienceF. Atterbury.Matthew 14:1-11
Troubled ConscienceBishop Hall.Matthew 14:1-11
Wounds of ConscienceF. Atterbury.Matthew 14:1-11
John's DeathMarcus Dods Matthew 14:1-12
The Morals of a TragedyJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 14:1-12
The Ruin of Reckless RashnessP.C. Barker Matthew 14:1, 2, 3-5, 6-12
The Murder of John the BaptistW.F. Adeney Matthew 14:3-12
People
Herod, Herodias, Jesus, John, Peter, Philip
Places
Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Carried, Charger, Damsel, Dish, Girl, Lady, Nigh, Plate, Platter
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 14:1-11

     5468   promises, human

Matthew 14:1-12

     5098   John the Baptist

Matthew 14:2-12

     8450   martyrdom

Matthew 14:3-11

     5714   men

Matthew 14:3-12

     8828   spite

Matthew 14:6-11

     4476   meals
     5803   carelessness

Matthew 14:8-11

     5157   head
     9021   death, natural

Matthew 14:9-13

     5921   privacy

Library
July 23. "Bring them Hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18).
"Bring them hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). Why have ye not received all the fulness of the Holy Spirit? And how may we be anointed with "the rest of the oil?" The greatest need is to make room when God makes it. Look around you at your situation. Are you not encompassed with needs at this very moment, and almost overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are all divinely provided vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill, and if you would but rightly understand their meaning, they would
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
'And John's disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.'--MATT. xiv. 12. 'And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy.'--MATT. xxviii. 8. There is a remarkable parallel and still more remarkable contrast between these two groups of disciples at the graves of their respective masters. John the Baptist's followers venture into the very jaws of the lion to rescue the headless corpse of their martyred teacher from a prison grave. They bear it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Peter on the Waves
'And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.'--MATT. xiv. 28. We owe this account of an episode in the miracle of Christ's walking on the waters to Matthew alone. Singularly enough there is no reference to Peter's venturesomeness and failure in the Gospel which is generally believed to have been written under his special inspection and suggestion. Mark passes by that part of the narrative without a word. That may be because Peter was somewhat ashamed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Martyrdom of John
'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2. And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 3. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. 4. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Food of the World
'He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20. And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.'--MATT. xiv. 19, 20. The miracles of Scripture are not merely wonders, but signs. It is one of their most striking characteristics that they are not, like the pretended portents of false faiths, mere mighty deeds standing in no sort of intellectual relation to the message of which they claim to be the attestation,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King's Highway
'And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw Him walking
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Again on Matt. xiv. 25: of the Lord Walking on the Waves of the Sea, and of Peter Tottering.
1. The Gospel which has just been read touching the Lord Christ, who walked on the waters of the sea; [2566] and the Apostle Peter, who as he was walking, tottered through fear, and sinking in distrust, rose again by confession, gives us to understand that the sea is the present world, and the Apostle Peter the type of the One Church. For Peter in the order of Apostles first, and in the love of Christ most forward, answers oftentimes alone for all the rest. Again, when the Lord Jesus Christ asked,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now in the Midst of the Sea, Distressed by the Waves. "
1. The lesson of the Gospel which we have just heard is a lesson of humility to us all, that we may see and know where we are, and whither we must tend and hasten. For that ship which carries the disciples, which was tossed in the waves by a contrary wind, is not without its meaning. Nor without a meaning [2541] did the Lord after He had left the multitudes, go up into a mountain to pray alone; and then coming to His disciples found them in danger, walking on the sea, and getting up into the ship
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Mr. Fearing Comforted
I think I shall be quite safe in concluding this morning, that there are some here who are full of doubting and fearing. Sure I am that all true Christians have their times of anxious questioning. The heart that hath never doubted has not yet learned to believe. As the farmers say, "The land that will not grow a thistle, will not grow wheat;" and the heart that cannot produce a doubt has not yet understood the meaning of believing. He that never doubted of his state--he may, perhaps he may, too late.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision A. Return of the Twelve and Retirement To the East Shore of Galilee. ^A Matt. XIV. 13; ^B Mark VI. 30-32; ^C Luke IX. 10; ^D John VI. 1. ^b 30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; ^c when they were returned, ^b and they told { ^c declared unto} ^b him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. [They had fulfilled the mission on which Jesus had sent them, and on returning each pair made to him a full report of their work.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
^A Matt. XIV. 1-12; ^B Mark VI. 14-29; ^C Luke IX. 7-9. ^b 14 And ^c 7 Now ^a 1 At that season ^b King Herod [Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. See page 63.] ^c the tetrarch heard of all that was done ^a heard the report concerning Jesus, ^b for his name had become known: ^c and he was perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. [The work of Jesus impressed
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision B. Feeding the Five Thousand. ^A Matt. XIV. 13-21; ^B Mark VI. 33-44; ^C Luke IX. 11-17; ^D John VI. 2-14. ^c 11 But { ^a and} the multitudes heard thereof [heard of Jesus and his disciples crossing the lake], ^b 33 And they saw them going, and ^c perceiving it, ^b many knew them, ^d 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. ^b and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
In the circumstances described in the previous chapter, Jesus resolved at once to leave Capernaum; and this probably alike for the sake of His disciples, who needed rest; for that of the people, who might have attempted a rising after the murder of the Baptist; and temporarily to withdraw Himself and His followers from the power of Herod. For this purpose He chose the place outside the dominions of Antipas, nearest to Capernaum. This was Beth-Saida (the house of fishing,' Fisher-town,' [3198] as
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Preachings on the Lake.
Such was the group which, on the borders of the lake of Tiberias, gathered around Jesus. The aristocracy was represented there by a customs-officer and by the wife of one of Herod's stewards. The rest were fishermen and common people. Their ignorance was extreme; their intelligence was feeble; they believed in apparitions and spirits.[1] Not one element of Greek culture had penetrated this first assembly of the saints. They had very little Jewish instruction; but heart and good-will overflowed. The
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Be of Good Cheer.
"BE of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew xiv:27). "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in Me. In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John xiv:1-3). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Rationalistic Explanation.
PAULUS. But the champions of this theory may admit all this, and yet fasten the delusion upon the disciples of Christ, who were so dazzled by his character, words, and works, that they mistook an extraordinary man for a divine being, and extraordinary medical cures for supernatural miracles. This is the view of the older German Rationalism.[75]75 It forms a parallel to the heathen rationalism of Euhemerus, of the Cyrenaic school: he explained the gods of the Greek mythology as human sages, heroes,
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Capernaum
From the things last spoken, we gather no trifling conjecture concerning the situation of the town of Capernaum. Josephus relates that the country of Gennesar, which we have described, was watered "with a spring of excellent water; the people thereabouts call it Capernaum." From that either the city hath its name, or rather that hath its name from the city; and the city from the pleasantness of the place. The evangelists, compared together, do make it clear, that this city was seated in the land
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
(MATTHEW XIV. 12.) "When some beloved voice, that was to you Both sound and sweetness, faileth suddenly, And silence, against which you dare not cry, Aches round you like a strong disease and new,-- What hope, what help, what music will undo That silence to your sense? Not friendship's sigh, Not reason's subtle count.... Nay, none of these! Speak, Thou availing Christ!--and fill this pause." E. B. BROWNING. "Tell Jesus"--The Sin-Bearer--The Resurrection of Jesus--The Followers of John, and of
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22
The Confidence of Prayer.--Matt. xiv. 22. Why thus, my soul, cast down? And why disquieted? Black though the tempest frown, The surge pass o'er thy head; Wait the fourth watch;--for One who saves Comes to thee, walking on the waves. Lord! Lord! if it be Thou, Bid me come down to Thee; Jesus! I know Thee now, And walk upon the sea; Faith fails; ah me! the gulf runs high, Save, Lord, I sink! O save, I die! I grasp thy outstretch'd hand; We climb the vessel's side; And lo! we touch the land, The
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope to all who have grievously sinned in this world. She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men. But a flash of light came forth from the Heart
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dancing.
DANCING is the expression of inward feelings by means of rhythmical movements of the body. Usually these movements are in measured step, and are accompanied by music. In some form or another dancing is as old as the world, and has been practiced by rude as well as by civilized peoples. The passion for amateur dancing always has been strongest among savage nations, who have made equal use of it in religious rites and in war. With the savages the dancers work themselves into a perfect frenzy, into
J. M. Judy—Questionable Amusements and Worthy Substitutes

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem,
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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