John the Baptist is killed because of an old grudge passed down from one generation to the next and manipulation at a party. Why do terrible things happen to godly people?
(Matthew 14:1-12)
Sermon Outline
“At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead!’” (Matthew 14:1-2)
Jesus Mistaken for John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-2)
- Reports about Jesus reach Herod Antipas
- The similar ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist
- Herod Antipas’ similar concerns about Jesus and John
John the Baptist Crashes Herod’s Party (Matthew 14:3-12)
- John speaks truth about Herod’s actions
- Herod’s party and family drama
- John’s brutal death at Herod’s hands
Jesus Withdraws (Matthew 14:13)
- Withdrawing from Herod Antipas and the crowds
- Withdrawing with the apostles and to be with the Father
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Answer one of these two questions:
- Have you ever been mistaken for someone else or mistaken another person for someone else? What happened?
- Has anyone ever told you that you look like someone famous? Who?
- This week we continue the new series, “Who Do You Say I Am?”, by looking at Matthew 14:1-12. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through the Scripture. Then, whether you’re on your own or with others, read that passage aloud.
- Background: “Herod the tetrarch” here is Herod Antipas, who governed the area of Galilee and the Transjordan area of Perea. He is the son of Herod the Great, brother to Herod Archelaus and half-brother to Herod II (also called Philip and Herodias’ first husband).
- Let’s trace the story as it begins in verse 3. Why did Herod Antipas imprison John (vss 3-4)?
- What did he want to do with John but why was he held back (vs 5)? What does this tell us about Antipas?
- What happens at Herod Antipas’ birthday party (vss 6-11)?
- Herodias’ daughter, Salome, was not Antipas’ daughter but the daughter of Herodias and Herod II (Philip). Why do you think Herodias wanted John the Baptist’s death?
- The disciples of John bring Jesus the news of John’s death (vs 12) and Jesus then withdraws to a solitary place (vs 13). Why would Jesus withdraw?
- What do you think happened to John’s disciples?
- Why do you think Herod Antipas is concerned about Jesus and Jesus’ similarity to John the Baptist (verses 1-2)?
- Now read Matthew 3:1-12. What does John say about Jesus as the one who will come after him?
- What does all this speak to you about who Jesus is?
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize John’s message in Matthew 3:2
- • Journal, draw, paint, or ink this story as a way of reflecting on how you see Jesus and who Jesus really is to you.
- • Read more about John the Baptist’s life in the following passages:
- • Luke 1:5-25, 39-80 • Luke 3:1-20
- • Matthew 3:1-12 • John 1:6-8, 19-34
- • John 3:22-36 • Matthew 11:1-19
- • Matthew 14:1-12 • Mark 6:14-29
- • Matthew 17:11-13; 21:32
- • Read more about Herod Antipas here or here