John the Baptist beheaded by Herod the Tetrarch

Matthew 14:1-12. John was God’s forerunner for Jesus telling people to get ready for their Messiah.

John the Baptist was Jesus’ cousin. When John heard the voice of Mary the mother of Jesus he jumped in his mother Elizabeth’s womb.

Herod the Tetrarch was also known as Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee and Perea 4BC-AD39, and he had John the Baptist beheaded to keep a promise to Salome daughter of Herodias.

Background Reading:

John the Baptist Beheaded

14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch, hearing about the fame of Jesus, 2 told his servants, “This is John the Baptist! He has been raised from the dead, and that’s why these miracles are being done by him.” 3 Herod had arrested John, bound him with chains, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

4 John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although Herod wanted to kill him, he was afraid of the crowd, since they regarded John as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday celebration was held, the daughter of Herodias danced before the guests. She pleased Herod 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked for. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me, right here on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.” 9 Under pressure because of his promises and his assembled guests, the king ordered that it be done. 10 So he sent word and had John beheaded in prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother. 12 When John’s disciples came, they carried off the body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:1-12
See also: Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9.


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