The Beheading of John the Baptist

King Herod Antipas heard of the works of Jesus, but he believed that John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, was risen from the dead. Herod had previously sent for John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom Herod had married. John had told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife (Mark 6:17-18). Because of this, Herodias held a grudge against John and desired to kill him, but she could not because Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man. Herod kept John safe and listened to him, though he was greatly perplexed by what he heard.

An opportunity arose on Herod's birthday when he gave a banquet for his high officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. During the feast, the daughter of Herodias entered and danced, which pleased Herod and his guests. The king promised the girl with an oath that he would give her whatever she asked, up to half of his kingdom (Mark 6:21-23). The girl went out and asked her mother what she should request. Herodias instructed her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. The girl returned immediately to the king and requested that the head of John the Baptist be given to her on a platter.

Although the king was exceedingly sorry, he did not want to break his oath or deny her in front of his guests. He immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The text does not say where the prison was located relative to the banquet hall, but the executioner went and beheaded John in the prison (Mark 6:27). The head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When John's disciples heard of the execution, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.