One thing I think about this text is that, in it, for all his power, Herod is the imprisoned or constrained one, not John. Herod knows that John is bringing good news; that's why he listens to John with joy. But, ultimately, he acts in a way contrary to what he knows to be right and contrary to what he wants to do. Pride, lust, an aversion to embarrassment drive him to kill John. He is in bondage to sin and cannot free himself. John though, is free. He lives in the freedom of the gospel. When you know that in Christ, death is not the end of your story, you needn't be cowed by what the devil and this world can do to you.
One thing I think about this text is that, in it, for all his power, Herod is the imprisoned or constrained one, not John.
Herod knows that John is bringing good news; that's why he listens to John with joy. But, ultimately, he acts in a way contrary to what he knows to be right and contrary to what he wants to do. Pride, lust, an aversion to embarrassment drive him to kill John. He is in bondage to sin and cannot free himself.
John though, is free. He lives in the freedom of the gospel. When you know that in Christ, death is not the end of your story, you needn't be cowed by what the devil and this world can do to you.
Well said!