Dr. Tom Hover
September 14, 2025
Matthew 14:1–13 / Isaiah 40:28-31
GOD’S GRACE FOR EVERY SITUATION IN LIFE
HEARTLESS HEROD
AND THE BELIEVING BAPTIST
Herod and the death of John the Baptist
Matthew 14:1–13
Introduction: Herod was a Heartless, Weak-willed, Lustful man in whom the milk of human kindness had curdled. John the Baptist was a Faithful, Believing, Brave man that stood for Truth, Righteousness, and most of all Jesus. John was his name. Baptist was not his last name and “the” was not his middle name. Baptist was what he did. The Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizo) from which "baptism" is derived primarily means "to dip," "to plunge," or "to immerse". That is why the Bible says when Jesus was baptized: Matthew 3:16 “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water.” Now this is the account of a good and godly man who was murdered by a spineless politician. John the Baptist stood for truth and that truth rubbed the King and especially his wife the wrong way.
I. HEROD’S DEVIANT CHARACTER Matthew 14:1
II. HEROD’S DEEP CONFUSION Matthew 14:1-13
Jesus had for some time been busy about His work and mission. He had faithfully preached and taught the people. The fame of Jesus had spread throughout all the regions. Jesus with His powerful messages and with His mighty power to perform miracles was becoming more and more famous among the masses of the people. John 3:1-2 There were so many who were healed, set free of demons and saved during this time. From the people to the palace the mighty works of Christ had an impact. Herod became quite concerned at the fame of Jesus.
III. HEROD’S DARK CONSCIENCE Matthew 14:2
Luke’s account tells us that Herod was “perplexed”. (Luke 9:7)
Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Herod is the Wicked Man in this verse and John the Baptist is the Bold Lion. John’s straight forward message had hit Herod and his wife pretty hard.
Mark 6:18. For John had said unto Herod, it is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
IV. HEROD’S DESPICABLE CRIME
Herod will always be remembered for his wickedness. He lived a life and died a death part from God. In this account of Herod, we see several characteristics that are still prevalent among people today.
A. When Herod Was Convicted He Faulted the Preacher
Matthew 14:3-4, Luke 3:19-20
B. When Herod Was Confronted He Feared People
Matthew 14:3, Mark 6:17-19, Proverbs 19:13, 27:15, 21:9, Proverbs 21:19, Matthew 14:5
C. When Herod Made His Choice He Followed Pleasure Matthew 14:6
But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Pleasure was more important to Herod than God. Party mongers always choose pleasure over purity.
D. When Herod Was Careless and Lewd He Made a Foolish Pledged Matthew 14:7, Matthew 14:6, Mark 6:22-23, Proverbs 29:20, Matthew 14:8
E. When Herod Was Challenged He Fulfilled His Promise
Matthew 14:9-11, Matthew 14:12 It is not said that they buried John, but ‘they took up his body, and buried it,’ not him. The real John no man could bury, and Herod soon found that, being dead, he yet spoke.
Conclusion: Matthew 14:13 When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed Him on foot out of the cities.
Jesus Leaves The City After The Murder Of John The Baptist
The Murder Of John the Baptist affected the ministry of Christ.
1. The Punishment In The Leaving. Matthew 14:13
“When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by ship”
2. The Place For The Leaving. Matthew 14:13 “into a desert place apart”: Luke 9:10
3. The People In The Leaving. Matthew 14:13 “when the people had heard thereof, they followed Him on foot out of the cities.” Many used their opportunity of seeing and hearing Christ. The loss of blessing by some was gain for others.
PM SERVICE 6PM
GOD’S GRACE FOR EVERY SITUATION IN LIFE Isaiah 40:28-31
Introduction: God has Grace for everything in life. This passage, and especially verse 31, has been a favorite of the Lord’s people for thousands of years. All these verses are a blessing because they speak to us about Who God is and about that He does for His people.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6PM WOMENS BIBLE STUDY IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
