The Death of John the Baptist | Matthew 14:1-12

Mark got the idea of outlining the message around the four main characters of the story from Eric Alexander's helpful message here.

1. Herod’s weakness vs John’s strength
2. Herodias’s grudge
3. Salome's dance
4. John’s death

Discussion Questions:

1. Herod's moral weakness is seen in his people-pleasing and fleshly decision making. He is easily swayed by others into doing what is wrong and does not stand by biblical convictions. Where do we see Herod's moral weakness in this story? What can we learn from his negative example?
2. How does John the Baptist's humble strength and courage show itself in this story? How can we be more like John and less like Herod?
3. Herodias is also controlled by sinful desires, is unfaithful to her first husband, and nurses a grudge against John that turns deadly. What can we learn from her negative example? How can we specifically fight the temptation to nurse grudges in our heart?
4. To some readers, John's death may seem utterly ridiculous and even meaningless as the story unfolds. How can we be encouraged by the absurd circumstances surrounding his death? Was it truly meaningless? (Have someone read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18). How can we fight to believe God's good purposes for us in our own suffering, especially when it becomes discouraging to us?

You can watch this message here.