The Death of John the Baptist

King Herod hears about Jesus and declares, “John the Baptist was risen from the dead!” It was Herod who had John beheaded, after having him arrested on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. John had told him, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” Herodias wanted to kill him, but Herod feared John, knowing he was a just man and a holy one, and heard him gladly. On his birthday, Herod gives a banquet for his nobles. Herodias’ daughter dances and pleases the king, who swears to give her whatever she asks, “unto the half of my kingdom.” At her mother’s prompting, she asks for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Grieved, but bound by his oaths and his guests, the king gives in. An executioner beheads John in the prison; his disciples lay his body in a tomb.