Reflecting on Mark's Gospel - Mark 6:14-29

The horrifying picture of John the Baptist’s head on a platter is the defining moment in this segment. It is, as Morna Hooker (The Gospel according to Saint Mark) notes – “the only section in the gospel which is not specifically about Jesus.”

However, John’s role is important as the one who prepares the way, and who points to Jesus. They are cousins, and Jesus has been baptised by John. John’s death, especially in such a dreadful fashion, is significant. In many ways, John’s death becomes a new element in John’s pointing to Jesus as they both have their lives ended at the hand of the authorities and, as Hooker puts it – “both John and Jesus are put to death by political rulers who recognise their goodness, but who are described as weakly giving in to pressure.”

It is certainly bizarre, however wonderful her dancing, that Herod gives the order for John’s execution on the basis of it being a reward for a good dancing performance. But the offer that he makes to the girl is anyway weirdly extravagant – whatever you ask of me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” It suggests that excessive amounts of alcohol had been consumed.

Presumably Herodias did not take the offer entirely seriously; and yet, in the face of the possibilities that lay within such generosity, even if there was a feeling that what was asked needed to be much less than what was offered, it remains extremely strange that this was the request. It indicates massive anger and vindictiveness on the part of the mother, at whose suggestion the request was made.

Herod, to be fair, does not really want to carry out this action, but finds himself caught up in the consequences of a silly promise, and unwilling to lose face. As Hooker comments – “he is trapped by his own weakness and sin into a position where he is blind to the real issues, and John is treated as a political puppet instead of as a prophet of God.”

I wonder how ready we are to admit our mistakes, even when it means losing face. I wonder who we treat, or think of, in a way that is inappropriate, or plain wrong.