How Not to Handle the Word of God – Mark 6:7-29
6 (7) Jesus called the Twelve to himself and began to send them out two by two. He gave them authority over the unclean spirits. (8) He instructed them not to take anything along on their journey, except a staff —no bread, no bag, no money in their belt. (9) They were to wear sandals; but were not to take along an extra tunic. (10) He said to them, Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that city. (11) If any place does not welcome you and does not listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave, as a witness against them. (12) So they went out and preached that men should repent. (13) And they cast out many demons, and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
(14) Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well-known. Some people were saying, John the Baptizer has risen from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him. (15) But others said, It is Elijah. Still others said, It is a prophet, just like one of the prophets of old. (16) But Herod, when he heard about it, said, John—whom I beheaded—he is risen. (17) Now Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested. He had him chained in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. (18) John was telling Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife. (19) So Herodias set herself against John, and desired to kill him. But she could not; (20) because Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, so he kept him safe. Whenever Herod heard John preach, he was very perplexed; but, nevertheless, he heard him gladly.
(21) Finally an opportune time came, when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. (22) On this occasion the daughter of Herodias came in and danced. She pleased Herod and those who sat at dinner with him; therefore the king said to the young girl, Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you. (23) He swore to her, Whatever you shall ask I will give you, even as much as half of my kingdom. (24) So she went out, and asked her mother, What shall I request? And she said, Ask for the head of John the Baptizer. (25) Then she immediately hurried back to the king and made the request, I ask that you give me without delay the head of John the Baptist on a platter. (26) Now the king was greatly distressed; but, because of his oaths and because of those who were present at dinner, he would not deny her request. (27) So immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard with the command to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded John in the prison; (28) then he brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young girl. The young girl gave it to her mother. (29) Now when John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his corpse, and buried it in a tomb.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
