Pastor Nick's sermon last week focused on the danger of being a prophet. The story of Salome and Herod underscores that danger. There are down to earth, current takeaways that this Gospel passage help us understand.
This is a tragic story. However, telling it offers a perspective that allows for the forgiveness that does not directly appear in the story. There is always potential for redemption. Environments can be fostered where justice and mercy prevail over revenge and hatred.
Pastor Emillie cited recent genocides and atrocities to point out this is not a story of olden, distant days that no longer occur. The request for John's head on a platter is a dramatic and gruesome fulfillment of Herodias's desire for retribution. It is also a very public way of showing that retribution and insuring that story would be shared. Although the head being offered up on a silver platter is somewhat unique, there are other stories about severed heads. In the Bible we have David beheading Goliath and bringing his head to King Saul. Where this act was a display of triumph and divine favor that showcased David's bravery and God's support, this Gospel story is in sharp contrast to the story of David and Goliath.
This passage begins with King Herod's fear. He is described as being deeply grieved at the
time of the execution. Here Mark describes how the king is haunted when
hears the name of Jesus. Herod says "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." In hearing the name of Jesus, together with the evil his father King Herod the Great, King Herod Antipas appears to confront the evil acts of his past.
There is a Hollywood 1950's biblical file epic called Salome starring Rita Hayworth, Stewart Granger and Charles Laughton. Hollywood hates leading ladies to be evil, particularity in the 50's, so Salome is shown as having an epiphany about John prior to her dance. In this movie she dances to make her request to free John from prison rather than behead him as her mother wants.
I dislike tacked on "Hollywood" endings but I found this particular plot twist intriguing. Salome dancing for John The Baptist's life ends up being horrified when she finally sees his head takes the story in new directions.
Unfortunately, the ancient story may always rear up in different forms as Pastor Emillie pointed out today.
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