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

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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

  • 1 Timothy 2:1-6
  • Matthew 25:34-40
  • Hebrews 10:32-34

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Heeding Warnings' (1 Co. 10:1-5)
"Dear Father, righteous judge of all mankind, Help me take to heart the examples of disobedience and punishment set by your ancient people as they..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Hippolytus:
"For Christ is the God over all, who has arranged to wash away sin from mankind, rendering the old man new."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Rest in the Peace of Jesus Until He Returns'
""Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don't be troubled or afraid. You have heard me tell you, 'I'm..."

Illustration

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

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!