1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. REFLECTIONSWritten by Mei ChanWhat things do you fear? One thing I’ve found myself becoming increasingly anxious about is how we as Christians will continue to proclaim the goodness of Jesus and the gospel in a country that thinks we ought to be silenced. I wonder if you’ve felt similarly to me lately. Something that strikes me about King Herod is that his kingdom is earthly and temporal, ruled by fear of the people (v5) and fear of his reputation (v9). He inherited the kingdom from his father, King Herod of Matthew 2, who so feared the birth of Jesus that he ordered every boy under 2 years old in Bethlehem to be killed. What a contrast this is from the previous chapter in Matthew 13, when Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as small, even insignificant in the world’s eyes, and yet more precious than treasure and fine pearls. It is hidden now, but on the last day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.While both King Herods clung tightly to their earthly thrones, we see King Jesus reminding his disciples about the true Kingdom that will one day be revealed. The great irony is that in this passage, Herod feared Jesus because he thought he was John the Baptist risen from the dead; but the reason he actually ought to fear Jesus is because Jesus was the one who wouldultimately rise from the dead, to rule a Heavenly Kingdom that will last forever. How does this passage help us to live as followers of Christ in times of fear? Unlike John the Baptist who was imprisoned for pointing out Herod’s sin in marrying his brother’s wife, most likely we won’t be imprisoned for speaking out Biblical truths in love. But if that day does come, my prayer for us is that we won’t fear the one who has the power to put us in prison, but the One who has authority, dominion and power over all creation, and who has proven it to the world by rising from the dead. ABOUT THE AUTHORMei is a member of our Fairfield morning congregation.