Mark 6:14-20

¹⁴ King Herod heard about this, because Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised up from the dead ones; and for this reason these energies[1] are at work in him.” ¹⁵ But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” ¹⁶ But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” ¹⁷ Because Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. ¹⁸ Because John had been telling Herod, “It is not proper for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, ²⁰ because Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he listened to him, he was seriously confused; but he still liked to listen to him.

inner conflict

Herod’s actions serve as an example of the inner conflict that most of the unsaved are experiencing. He was trapped by his sinful life, interested in spiritual things, yet seriously confused and unable to commit to the truth he heard.

Do not think that those who reject the gospel, and Christ, and the church do so with a clear conscience. Do not think that you cannot reach your neighbour because her mind is made up. Keep looking for ways to get the word out to those who seem indifferent to it. These people need Jesus, and they know it.

LORD, show us how to reach those who seem to have put themselves out of reach.

[1] ενεργεω