The Man Has a Point

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man - Mark 6:20

Apparently, no one ever told John that it is rude to point. He spent his life pointing. He pointed to the prophecies of scriptures that foretold the coming of the Messiah. He pointed to Jesus as the Son of God. He pointed out the need for everyone to repent and be baptised. He shook his finger int he ace of Pharisees and Sadducees for their hypocrisy. He aimed a warning finger at King Herod and his wife or living in a marriage that was neither lawful nor moral. That pretty much sealed his fate.

Like many others, when Herod listened to John, he was "greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him" (Mark 6:20). We often have mixed feelings about those who point us to God. Do we need to repent and live a new way? What must be left behind for us to enter God's reign more fully?

Before he could make up his mind about John, Herod was manipulated into murdering him. It saddened Herod, even as he gave order. After that tragic night, did Herod miss John's voice? Did he miss his pointing? Did he miss the point?

Do we miss the point of John the Baptist? He continually points away from himself, and directs us to the one who comes after him, the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:18). John reminds us that we follow Jesus, who also spoke truth to power and was executed by those opposed to the reign of God. But in raising Jesus from the grave, God gives new life and forgiveness to the world, and another chance for us to go where John is pointing.

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