LESSON 13: BEHEADING JOHN
Lesson 13 – Beheading John
Don’t you remember John the Baptist who told the world about Jesus Christ?
Herod put him in prison. There is a reason behind this. Herod had taken Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, as his own wife. John told him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
Herod did not like this. Although he wanted to put John to death, he feared the people, because they respected him as a prophet.
But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. He promised to give her whatever she asked for. She asked her mother for suggestions. Her mother told her what to ask for, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
Because of the promise that the king made before those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. So, he sent and had John beheaded in prison. His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.
Then the disciples came and took away the body and buried it. Afterwards, they went and told Jesus.
Even though Herod was the king, John the Baptist had the courage to tell him that what he was doing was wrong. Where did he get the courage from? He was filled with the Holy Spirit in his mother’s womb, so he was not afraid to die. But he feared God. Taking a brother’s wife as his own wife is against the laws of the country. John was beheaded for pointing out this injustice.
Note to Teachers:
- The aim of this chapter is to make the students understand what truth and justice is.
- The student should understand that a person who lives by trusting God and is filled by the Holy Spirit will not be afraid of death.
- Even if it is the king who did a mistake, it remains as a mistake and it cannot be justified.
