From the closing part of the preceding chapter (Matthew 13:53-57), we learn that Jesus came "into His own country, [and that] He taught them in their synagogue [with such power that] they were astonished." (Matthew 13:54)
But instead of receiving the truth as a power to work changes in their characters, they remembered that this was: "The carpenter's son," (Matthew 13:55) and that they were well acquainted with His brothers and sisters, "And they were offended in Him." (Matthew 13:57)
And, "At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus," (Matthew 14:1) and it called to his mind one who had spoken before him with a similar power, and he said, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead." (Matthew 14:2)
How did Herod know anything about the resurrection of the dead? Evidently from the preaching of John the Baptist. "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and a holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." (Mark 6:20)
The Gospel of repentance and preparation for the kingdom of heaven which John preached included the resurrection from the dead, and was preached with the resurrection power. "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, And saying, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3:1-2) To this Herod bears witness when he recognizes the work of Jesus has been of the same character as that of John the Baptist.
When Herod heard of the wonderful works of Christ in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead, he was exceedingly troubled and perplexed. His convictions were that God, whom John preached, was indeed present in every place, and that He had witnessed the wild mirth and wicked dissipation in the royal banqueting room, and that His ears had heard his command to the executioner to behead John, that His eye had seen the exultation of Herodias, and the taunting insult with which she had reproached the severed head of her enemy. And many things which he had heard from the lips of the prophet now spoke to his conscience in louder tones than the preaching in the wilderness.
He had heard from John that nothing could be hidden from God, therefore he trembled lest some terrible punishment should be visited upon him for the sin he had committed. When Herod heard of the words of Christ, he thought that God had resurrected John, and sent him forth with still greater power to condemn sin.--Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Two, p. 82.
The Power of John's Ministry
Jesus had already said concerning John: "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: ... And if you will receive it, this is Elijah which was to come." (Matthew 11:11,15)
In his work as the prophet of the Lord, the true God, Elijah fearlessly reproved sin even in high places and called upon the people to recognize and worship Jehovah as God. "And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab saidunto him, Are you the one that troubles Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but you, and your father's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and you have followed Baalim." (1 Kings 18:17-18)
And although "John did no miracle," (John 10:41) yet his work was "in the spirit and power of Elijah," (Luke 1:17) and his words brought conviction of sin to the hearts of all classes, including Herod the tetrarch. His mission was to turn the minds of the people to the coming Messiah, saying to all, "Behold the Lamb of God!" (John 1:36)
And this he did not merely by his word but by revealing Christlike principles in his life.
His life was so unselfish, marked with humility and self-denial. His teachings, exhortations, and reproofs, where fervent, sincere, and courageous.--Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Two, p. 57.
Thus the declaration of Herod, "This is John the Baptist," (Matthew 14:2) was a remarkable testimony to the character of John's work, as being done in the same power in which Jesus worked. Thus it ought to be with every faithful servant of Jesus now. So, after the resurrection of Christ, those who examined Peter and John concerning their work, "took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
Victorious in Death
The imprisonment and death of John testify to his own faith in his own work. His mission was: "To make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)
And this involved confession of sins and faith in the saving power of the Gospel. In pursuance of his work He reproved sin of every kind, and when as a result of his faithfulness he was cast in the prison, his own faith in the Gospel which he had preached to others sustained him, and he was "faithful unto death," (Revelation 2:10) just as He whose forerunner he was, "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8)
Those who look upon outward appearances merely might conclude that the work of John the Baptist ended in defeat, but: "The Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks upon the outward appearance, but the Lord looks upon the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
And He recognized in the integrity of His servant and in His refusal to compromise right principles, a victory greater than a Hastings or a Waterloo. Because Jesus was faithful unto death, "Wherefore God also has highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name." (Philippians 2:9)
And with every loyal servant He shares His "new name": "Him that overcomes will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name." (Revelation 3:12)
Surfeiting and Drunkenness a Cause of Crime
But the faithfulness of John does not relieve Herod of the responsibility of taking his life, and this whole occurrence is a temperance lesson of great power. When in his right mind Herod would never have made such a rash promise as to give to this profligate dancer "whatsoever she would ask," (Matthew 14:7) or even having made it, he would never have kept it when she said, "Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger." (Matthew 14:8)
But, "Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee." (Mark 6:21)
And with his passions inflamed by surfeiting and drunkenness, and "pleased" by the bewitching presence and art of the dancer, his reason was overborne. Shocked by the inhuman request of the young woman, he is for the moment brought to his sense, "And the king was sorry." (Matthew 14:9)
But bound by a false sense of honor, and waiting in vain for his drunken companions to release him from his oath, he gave the fatal command and the life of a righteous man is sacrificed to the hatred of Herodias. But this crime is one of the many which lie at the door of intemperance.
Too often in these days the most solemn responsibilities rest upon those who, from their intemperate habits, are not in the condition to exercise the calm judgment and keen perceptions of right and wrong with which their Creator endowed them. The guardians of the people, men in authority, upon whose decisions hang the lives of their fellow creatures, should be subject to severe punishment if found guilty of intemperance.
Those who enforce laws should be law-keepers. They should be men of self-government, in full harmony with the laws governing their physical, mental, and moral powers, that they may possess full vigor of intellect and a high sense of justice. In the martyrdom of John we have a result of intemperance among those invested with great authority. This eventful birthday feast should be a lesson of warning to the lovers of pleasure, and an exhortation to Christian temperance.--Ellen G. White, The Spirit of Prophecy, Volume Two, p. 80.
They Went and Told Jesus
Herodias was satisfied when she had received the head of John and the disciples were permitted to have the body, which they buried, "and went and told Jesus." (Matthew 14:12)
How much is revealed in these few words. Having lost a faithful leader they "went and told Jesus." In their grief at his shameful death, they "went and told Jesus." With a natural longing for sympathy in their hour of trial, they "went and told Jesus." This is the privilege of every Christian now. "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like is we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16) "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows." (Isaiah 53:4)
When we have been overcome by any power of evil, we can go and "tell Jesus." He will not take any advantage of our confessions. When death has gained an apparent victory and one has been taken from the family circle, we can go and "tell Jesus." He who wept at the grave of Lazarus, wept with and for us as well, and He says to us: "I will come again." (John 14:3) "Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)
Whatever our circumstances in life, it is our privilege to go and "tell Jesus;" and this He invites us to do.
Have we trials and temptations,
Is there trouble anywhere?
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
--Joseph Medlicott Scriven, Hymn: What a Friend We Have in Jesus, 1855.
--Present Truth, March 10, 1898--Original title: As Free as a Bird--Timeline: IV-36 (Martyrdom of John the Baptist)--Matthew 14:1-12.