Matthew 14:1-12

John was killed and Jesus cared Matthew 14:1-12: Hatred leads people to do and say terrible things to one another. John had told Herod the Tetrarch that it was not right for him to have his brother, Philip's wife (Herodias). John reproved Herod at the risk of his own life. (Matthew 14:3) Mark likewise recorded that this remarriage was a violation of God's law. (Mark 6:14-29) Herod, like many in our day, had total disregard for Biblical laws of divorce and remarriage.

The hatred of Herodias for John led to his being beheaded. (Matthew 14:9-10) John died for his preaching. He died with the approval of God on his life and with a good conscience. John was a great hero of faith. His death touched both his disciples and the heart of the Savior Himself. Troubles and tragedies will come and when they do, remember the Savior cares!

The death of John was used to show that Jesus cares when people are hurting. What happened to John was a precursor of what the hatred of the people would eventually do to Jesus Himself. The fact that John was killed because of an "angry" woman compounds the tragedy of his death. Herod concluded that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. This, within its self, put Jesus in great danger.