What Jesus Did! 'Brutality and Grief' — Mark 6:25-29

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Your Support is Needed

Donations are vital to help us keep the light shining!

 Donate Now
So [Herod's daughter] hurried back to the king and told him, "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John's head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. When John's disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

— Mark 6:25-29 NLT

Key Thought

We often forget that we have brothers and sisters in Christ who have to face incredible inhumanity and brutality because of their faith, righteousness, and unwavering loyalty to Jesus. Let's use this gruesome reminder of John the Baptist's death to jar us into an acute awareness of our fellow believers world-wide who are suffering and dying for the cause of Christ.

Today's Prayer

O God, my Abba Father, it pains me deeply to think about your precious children who are having to face horribly brutal times because of their faith. Please work in the affairs of our world to bring an end to the regimes and conditions that lead to such inhumanity and brutality. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Shameful
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"Herodias's chance [for vengeance against John] finally came on Herod's birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 6:25-29 NLT — "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 14, 2024

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'The Pomp and Position of Royalty' (Acts 25:23-25)
"So the next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived at the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military officers and prominent men of the city. Festus..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Outsiders and Insiders, Rejoice Together!'
"Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name! And..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Brother Lawrence:
"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!