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From Heaven With Love
More Than a Prophet
John was “more than a prophet.” While prophets had seen from
afar Christ’s advent, to John it was given to behold Him and to
present Him to Israel as the Sent of God. The prophet John was the
lesser light to be followed by a greater. No other light ever will shine
so clearly on fallen man as the teaching and example of Jesus.
Aside from the joy that John found in his mission, his life had
been one of sorrow. His was a lonely lot. And he was not permitted
to see the result of his own labors. It was not his privilege to be with
Christ and behold the light that shone through every word of Christ,
shedding glory on the promises of prophecy.
Herod believed John to be a prophet of God and fully intended
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to set him at liberty. But he feared Herodias. She knew that by direct
measures she could never win Herod’s consent to the death of John;
hence she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the
king’s birthday an entertainment was to be given. There would be
feasting and drunkenness. Herod might then be influenced according
to her will.
When the great day arrived, the king with his lords was feasting
and drinking. Herodias sent her daughter into the banquet hall to
dance for the guests. Salome was in the first flush of womanhood,
and her voluptuous beauty captivated the lordly revelers. A flattering
compliment was paid to Herod when this daughter of Israel’s priests
and princes danced for his guests.
The king was dazed with wine. Passion held sway, and reason
was dethroned. He saw only the reveling guests, the banquet, the
wine, the flashing lights, and the girl dancing before him. In the
recklessness of the moment he desired to make some display that
would exalt him before the great men of his realm. With an oath he
promised the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask, even to
half of his kingdom.
Salome hastened to her mother. What should she ask? The an-
swer was ready—the head of John the Baptist. Salome shrank from
presenting the request, but the determination of Herodias prevailed.
The girl returned with the terrible petition: “I want you to give me
at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” RSV.