Power and Arrogance: A Deadly Combination

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
July 16th 2006
Rev. Mark R. Bradshaw-Miller
“Power and Arrogance: A Deadly Combination”
Mark 6:14-29
The opening words of our passage this morning, “King Herod heard of it...” is an odd way to begin a passage of scripture. However, this is not the most unusual feature of this passage. In fact, this passage raises many questions which need to be addressed to gain a better understanding. This morning, we focus on three. Question one: “Why does the writer of Mark choose chapter six to talk about John’s death since he has been dead since about chapter two?” Question two: “Why, when it is unnecessary, is the story about Herod’s birthday party included?” Question three, which is my favorite: “So what?”
“Why does the writer of Mark choose chapter six to talk about John’s death since he has been dead since about chapter two?”
John the Baptist has been absent since his arrest in chapter one. John’s last appearance was directly tied to Jesus beginning his ministry. Jesus preaches and John goes to prison. At first impression, this seems coincidental. Yet, it is an early indication the ministry of both John and Jesus can lead to; jail, beheading, and even crucifixion.
This time, King Herod has gotten word of Jesus’ work on the heels of the disciple’s first mission. They have just returned from preaching, healing and casting out demons when King Herod takes notice. He is fearful that John has returned from the dead. This flashback to John’s death is included as a reminder that following Jesus can be dangerous. This leads us to question two.
“Why, when it is unnecessary, is the story about Herod’s birthday party included?”
This account of John’s death is not historically accurate. The ancient Jewish historian Josephus wrote the John was condemned to death by Herod. However, he was beheaded because Herod was fearful of John’s growing fame. The masses listened to his teaching and he appeared to have them well organized following his direction. As a result, Herod took a preemptive strike against John for reasons of national security. Since it is likely the writer of Mark knew this, it is safe to say he had another motive.
This flashback is included here because it is part of a larger theme in the gospel. It begins when John’s imprisonment is linked to the beginning of Jesus ministry. Throughout the gospel it is clear that faithfulness means one will encounter trouble. Jesus even warns the disciples of this when he says; “they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governments and Kings because of me…’ (13:9). While the disciples do not understand this, it becomes abundantly clear when Jesus is executed on the cross. Biblical scholar Ched Meyers says of this passage: “The political destiny of those who proclaim repentance and a new order is always the same and this why (this passage) is placed within the mission of the twelve.”
There is also another motive for including this passage. In order to understand why we must look closely at who is included in Herod’s birthday celebration. He has quite a guest list. Herod, the head of state, is flanked by his advisors, military commanders, and the leading people of the city. It would have been the only group of people in the ancient world who can afford this type of leisure and pleasure. As the drinks flow, they quickly become mixed with the arrogance of the powerful King Herod. By the end of the passage we see that one man’s life is traded in order that the head of the government can ‘save face.’ John the Baptist is beheaded to insure the integrity of a drunken oath. Not only does this scene work to warn about the risks of faithfulness but also works to shame the ways of society’s elite who are able to get away with whatever they wish. This brings us to the last question.
“So what?”
Later on in the gospel, (chapter 8, verse 15) Jesus warns the disciples to beware of the leaven of Herod. For many years scholars were unsure what to make of the passage. However, more scholars are finally beginning to recognize the connections between the passage of John’s death and the later warning of Jesus. While this passage is not historically accurate, it is clear that it fits with the character of King Herod. Herod was politically savvy. He was also a religious man who was well versed in the traditions and the law. Herod was known to use this knowledge for political advantage. King Herod was known to be religious when it was politically convenient.
This passage, coupled with Jesus later warning is meant to challenge those who would seek to use religion as a tool for political power. History has shown us, too often, that when Christians become wedded to the societal elite they can easily justify trading people’s lives so heads of governments can ‘save face. Christians in every age have seemed more than willing to place their faith in political leaders who use religion and religious language to gain power.
Theologian Karl Barth began his carrer as a parish minister around 1912. For a time, he became an active member of the communist party. Barth even went on to write about how the teachings of Jesus and the ideals of communism are closely related. However, after a few years, Barth gave up his membership in the party. His break with the party was not over ideology. His beliefs had not changed. However, Karl Barth had seen that the concern of the party had become solely about power and not about the people. As a result, Barth came to the conclusion that Christians could not long align themselves with any political party because they will all have one primary concern: power.
It seems that every generation will be engaged in arguments which will divide the religious community. It seems that every generation will fool itself into believing that one political party is the right hand of God. It was true in the time of Herod, it was true in the time of Karl Barth, and it is true today. The good news is that every person or organization who believed they could bring in the kingdom of God through power and strength has failed. And no political group in history which has promised to be the embodiment of God’s mission on earth has ever succeeded. This brief story of the beheading of John should give us courage to continue to follow the Jesus made known to us in scripture. And, we should not be surprised or fearful of those who seek to sell our faith for political gain.
This is not to say that Christians should avoid involvement in political life. Throughout history our faith has been instrumental in major struggles for justice from abolition to civil rights and many others. In fact, our faith compels us to be involved with the world. Instead, this passage serves as a simple reminder that we should never confuse our actions with the actions of Jesus Christ. In all areas of our life we are called to follow the way of Jesus Christ and be living witnesses to this life-changing reality. Amen.