Day 1 · The Beheading of John
Matthew 14:1–12
1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus 2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. 6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod 7so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted 10and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. 11John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Observe
In verses 5 and 9, what different pressures and fears influenced Herod's actions toward John?
Apply
When pressure from others makes it tempting to compromise what is right, how can you seek God's strength to stay faithful this week?
In the app, each day also opens the words in the original language, what the passage meant to its first readers, pastors teaching it, a place to write, and a time to pray.
