Bowing Down to Men

I was reading in Matthew chapter 14 this morning and I came across this:

3 For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip). 4 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

6 But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, 7 so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. 8 At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!” 9 Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. 10 So John was beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

There are so many things wrong with this scene. Let's not even go into marrying your brothers wife, and watching her daughter do a pleasing dance. Obviously that shouldn't have been happening. But then he makes a promise (one he shouldn't have made in the first place) and it ends up that he has a choice. Do I follow through on this promise that I made in front of all my friends and kill this man (which might cause a riot), or do I say "no" to killing this man and endure the shame of all these guests? In the end he let his decision, the life of a man who hadn't harmed him, be decided by the crowd. Hmm.... that sounds familiar... where else have we heard that?

oh yeah....

22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”

They shouted back, “Crucify him!”

23 “Why?” Pilate demanded. “What crime has he committed?”

But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify him!”

24 Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” (Matt 27:22-24)


How many times throughout history have innocent people died because of men who were afraid of the crowds? As believers we shouldn't fear death, and we should be encouraged when we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ. But that doesn't make it okay when people in authority bend to the crowds demands. I think we should all consider this with the election right around the corner. Will the candidate we choose have the courage to stand up and say "no" for the good of this country, even if a large portion of the country will hate him for that? I thank God everyday that he hasn't called me into politics. I know that if He had, He would equip me for that, but it is not a responsibility that I would ever want to bear the weight of. I think I'm beginning to ramble so I'll wrap this up. Your thoughts are appreciated.