At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”
3 Now Herod had arrested John, bound [him], and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, 4 for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. 6 But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod 7 so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, 10 and he had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.
This passage recounts the death of John the Baptist, placing it within the broader context of Jesus’ growing public presence. King Herod hears reports about Jesus and identifies Him with John the Baptist, whom he had previously ordered to be executed. Matthew introduces this identification to explain the circumstances surrounding John’s death and to show the continuity between John’s mission and the public ministry of Jesus (Mt 14:1-2).
John had publicly criticized Herod for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, an act contrary to Jewish moral and religious law (cf. Lev 18:16; 20:21). Although Herod had John imprisoned, he seemed reluctant to put him to death, possibly out of fear of public reaction or a certain personal unease. Herodias, however, sought an opportunity to have John executed. During a banquet, Herod’s stepdaughter performed a dance that pleased Herod, who then made a public oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist. Though distressed, Herod ordered the execution rather than break his word before his guests (Mt 14:3-11).
This account illustrates the moral courage of John the Baptist, who remained faithful to his mission as a prophet even at the cost of his life. His death anticipates the Passion of Christ, who would also be handed over to death by a political leader who acted against his better judgment in order to appease the crowd (cf. Mt 27:24).
The Navarre Bible observes that John “was not afraid to reproach evil wherever he found it—even in those in power—and he paid for it with his life. His martyrdom is a testimony to the truth that God’s law stands above human opinion or convenience” (Navarre Bible: St. Matthew, 2008). The Paulist Biblical Commentary adds that Herod’s identification of Jesus with John after death reveals how guilt can cloud a person’s understanding of God’s actions in the world. Rather than responding with repentance, Herod remains trapped in fear and confusion.
John’s prophetic witness is firmly rooted in the tradition of the Old Testament. Like the prophets before him—especially Elijah, who confronted kings and false worship (cf. 1 Kgs 18:17–18)—John called for fidelity to God’s covenant. His imprisonment and death recall the pattern seen in Jeremiah, who also suffered for speaking truth to power (cf. Jer 20:1–2, 7–11). Jesus Himself later refers to John as the one who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Mt 11:14; cf. Mal 3:1; 4:5–6; Lk 1:17).
In the New Testament, John stands as the final prophet and the forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus Himself testified, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Mt 11:11). His role was not only to proclaim the coming of the Lord but to prepare His way through both word and martyrdom. John’s life and death are part of the divine plan in which the path of salvation unfolds through fidelity, suffering, and the call to repentance.
Just as John was rejected by those in power, so too would Christ be rejected. And just as John’s death marked a turning point, Jesus’ death would become the definitive act of redemption. In both cases, fidelity to God’s will leads through death to new life—John as a martyr, Christ as Savior.
Heavenly Father, You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Your Son by calling the world to repentance and truth. Strengthen us to follow his example with courage and clarity, even when it is difficult. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel, but always seek to live according to Your will. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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Sources and References
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Orchard et al. (1953).
- The Navarre Bible: St. Matthew, Faculty of the University of Navarre (2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. Chiu et al. (2018).
- St. Bede the Venerable (c. 673–735), Homilies on the Gospels.
- St. Jerome (c. 347–420), Commentary on Matthew.
- Lev 18:16; 20:21; 1 Kgs 18:17–18; Jer 20:1–2, 7–11; Mt 11:11; 14:1–12; 27:24.
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