Matthew 14:8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Herod was a very powerful man at this time. He was married to his brother Phillip’s wife. He seduced this woman and lived with her after divorcing his wife. She knew his proclivities and had her daughter dance for him in a way that made his imagination run wild. He then promised her anything up to half his kingdom. But she wanted what her mother wanted and asked for the head of John the Baptist.

This is a sordid tale of sexual immorality and unrestrained iniquity. Herod was a Tetrarch, not a king. His pride led him to ask to be called a king, but Rome would not allow him that title. He let the pull of the flesh cause him to make decisions out of lust. This is what happens to men who follow the draw of sin. He wanted to show his power but indeed he was truly a weak man. Think of all the people in history who were in positions like Herod who fell into the same trap. Many wars were fought because of this kind of behavior. Millions of innocent lives lost on the basis of sinful desire.

What about our time? Think of the headlines caused by greedy and prideful people. People who seek the happiness of the flesh and pleasures of this world. Does the name Jeffrey Epstein ring a bell? Pay attention to the people who were around him in positions of leadership. There is nothing new up under the sun. What are you doing to protect yourself from falling into the same trap? Jesus commanded us to crucify the flesh on a daily basis. Do you understand better now why He commanded this? Live life in the example of Jesus, not the example of Herod.