John the Baptist is an unusual character in the stories of Scripture. He is a cousin of Jesus, born several months before Christ. He recognizes his call to “prepare the way for the Lord” (Mark 1). We learn that, “John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6). John is a strange figure. Is he a role model? Does he offer an example that we should seek to imitate as faithful disciples of Jesus? I don’t know about you, but I’m not really looking to add “camel’s hair clothing” to my wardrobe or locusts to my diet.
We are familiar with the accounts about the beginning of John’s life and ministry. They are often part of the Advent texts, helping us to “prepare” for Christmas. This Sunday in worship (following the prescribed lectionary readings), we will engage with the account of the end of John’s life, as told in Mark 6. At this point in John’s life, he has made some powerful enemies, by calling people to account for their actions. Moral accountability was not widely appreciated in those days (I wonder what that would be like). Specifically, the wife of the ruler of the land wanted John dead. King Herod liked John. While a threat politically, Herod liked to listen to what John had to say. But as the story goes, a party…a dance…a promise…and eventually the reader is confronted with the gruesome scene of the decapitated head of John the Baptist on a platter.
Is this a cautionary tale? Is this encouragement to speak out, regardless of the cost? Have you experienced occasions when you were silenced, or even threatened? Or, has your voice ever been minimized by those in authority? Have you experienced adverse consequences for “doing the right thing?” Why is this narrative in the Gospel at all? It doesn’t even mention Jesus, and — it’s gross! Do these words from John’s Gospel carry, for us, a message of hope? A challenge? How do you read them? Send me your responses – I’d honestly like some feedback. Join in worship this Sunday as we believe together that God will speak. See you soon.
Very Truly,
Pastor Adam
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