The Death of John the Baptist

John the Baptist was a relative of Jesus (Luke 1:36). He prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 3:1–3), proclaiming Him as the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah, and the Savior who would take away the sins of the world (John 1:29-31). In the first year after Jesus’ baptism, He ministered in Judea and between Judea and Galilee (John 3:22–5:47) in conjunction with John’s ministry.

At that time, Herodias, the granddaughter of Herod the Great, was living in an incestuous relationship. She had first married her uncle Philip (Philip I), and while he was still alive, she divorced him to marry another uncle, Herod Antipas (Herod the Tetrarch). John the Baptist criticized Herod Antipas for violating Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:16) by marrying Herodias (Matthew 14:3-4). John’s opposition represented the view of orthodox Jews and damaged Herod Antipas’s reputation among them. Consequently, John the Baptist was imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus, on the east side of the Dead Sea (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18, Chapter 5).

Herodias harbored a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. On Herod Antipas’s birthday, he held a banquet for his high officials, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ daughter, Salome (Antiquities of the Jews), came in and danced, pleasing Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” He even swore to her, “Whatever you ask, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, Herodias, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.” At once, she hurried back to the king and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was greatly distressed. He had initially feared the people and hesitated to kill John. But because of his oath and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. He immediately sent a soldier and had John beheaded in the prison. He put John’s head on a flat platter, which was used for serving meat to guests, and gave it to Salome. In this way, God brought an end to John the Baptist’s work of preparing the way for Christ.

When Jesus heard the news, He returned from Judea to Galilee, which was under Herod Antipas’s jurisdiction. He changed His location and method of work, officially beginning His independent ministry. This was to fulfill the Old Testament prophecies that the King of the kingdom of heaven would personally establish the kingdom. From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, “The kingdom of heaven has come near. Repent!” (Matthew 4:17).

Edited and compiled based on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.