The Death of John the Baptist

Herod the tetrarch began hearing reports about Jesus. People were saying different things about him. Some thought John the Baptist had risen from the dead. Others said Elijah had appeared, or that one of the old prophets had returned. Herod was very perplexed. He said, "I beheaded John, so who is this?" He wanted to see Jesus.

Earlier, Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had told Herod that it was not lawful for him to have her. Herodias set herself against John and wanted him killed. Herod too would have put John to death, but he feared the crowd, because people counted John as a prophet.

Mark adds that Herod feared John because he knew John was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe for a time. Herod listened to him gladly. Then on Herod's birthday, a convenient day came. He gave a supper for his nobles, high officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

Herodias's daughter came in and danced, pleasing Herod and his guests. Herod made a reckless promise with an oath, saying she could ask for whatever she wanted, even up to half his kingdom. She went out and asked her mother what to request. Prompted by her mother, she hurried back and asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Herod was grieved and exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and the guests at his table, he gave the order. John was beheaded in the prison. His head was brought on a platter to the young lady, and she brought it to her mother. Afterwards John's disciples took his body, buried it, and told Jesus. What does this account show about the cost of speaking the truth?