Matthew 14:1-13
Q.1. Who was Herod the tetrarch? What were his conclusions about Jesus? What was going on in Herod’s mind? Why had he mistreated John the Baptist? What kept him from killing John? – (Mt.14:1-5)
After the death of Herod the Great (who had built the temple in Jerusalem), half of his kingdom was left to his son Archelaus, while the other half was divided between two of his other sons, Herod Antipas, and Philip. These two had the title of Tetrarch (i.e. governor of quarter of the realm). The Herod’s had been granted their authority by the Roman Caesar. They sometimes carried the title of king. (Mt.14:1 c.f. Mt.2:3, 19-23; Lk.3:1; 23:6-12). Herod Antipas was offended by John the Baptizer who had rebuked him for taking his half-brother’s wife, Herodias. He was afraid to kill John. John was highly regarded by the people as a prophet of God, so Herod feared a rebellion. After Herod had John beheaded, his conscience bothered him. When he heard reports of Jesus, he feared – … This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him (Mt.14:2).
Q.2. Why did he make a foolish oath? Who was behind the murder of John? Why did Herod consent to John’s killing? How did John’s disciples respond? What was the response of Jesus? – (Mt.14:6-13)
What changed Herod’s mind about killing the prophet? Herodias put on a lavish birthday party for Herod and arranged for her seductive daughter to dance before him. While under the influence – … he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked (Mt.14:7). Herodias held a grudge against John so instructed her daughter to ask for his head on a platter (Mt.14:8). To save face, Herod had John beheaded. The girl then took his head to her mother (Mt.14:9-11). John’s devastated disciples respectfully buried his remains and reported the news to Jesus. – when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself (Mt.14:13). It seemed that Jesus just wanted to be alone with His Father to gain comfort from Him.