Leading While Grieving

While the disciples were out travelling the countryside, experiencing the adventure of a lifetime, something else was unfolding in Israel. King Herod was throwing himself a birthday celebration—one that likely stretched over several days, if not weeks. But amid the feasting and revelry, an event took place that would shift the movement dramatically, marking a moment of deep personal cost for Jesus. Read this sobering story carefully.

Questions from your reading

• What do these passages reveal about Herod?
• What might Herod have been thinking and feeling—and what does he end up doing?
• How does Jesus respond to the death of his close friend (Matt. 14:13)?
• What emotions must Jesus have been experiencing?
• What other questions arise as you reflect on this story?

Reflecting on your reading

When we last saw John the Baptist, he was sitting on a cold prison floor, waiting for his fate and receiving Jesus’ quiet reassurance in response to his doubts. Now, we find out why John had been imprisoned (Mark 6:17–18). He had openly rebuked King Herod for taking his brother Philip’s wife while Philip was still alive. For that, Herod had John arrested—but not killed. Herod actually feared John, knowing he was a man sent from God. Mark even tells us that Herod liked listening to him (Mark 6:20).

At Herod’s grand birthday banquet, attended by military commanders and Galilean elites, something shocking occurred. Herod’s niece (also his stepdaughter) danced before him, and in a rash moment, he made a grand promise—she could have anything she wanted. Unsure of what to ask for, she turned to her mother, who saw a perfect chance to settle a score. She told her daughter to ask for John’s head on a platter.

What kind of person makes such a demand—especially through her own daughter? Herod, caught in the trap of his own pride and public oath, caved. He ordered John’s beheading, and the gruesome request was fulfilled before the party ended. John’s disciples recovered his body and laid it in a tomb. Then they ran to Jesus to tell him what had happened.

At the same time, reports were circulating—people were being healed, the gospel was being preached, and demons were being cast out. Herod was alarmed. He feared John had come back to life—his worst nightmare. In truth, it was God at work through the twelve Apostles.

Matthew notes that after sending out the twelve, Jesus also went out, preaching in various towns (Matt. 11:1). What was he doing during that time? It seems likely he was training the next group of leaders—the seventy-two—who would soon be sent out as the movement grew.

When the disciples returned from their journey, they were buzzing with stories of God’s provision (Luke 9:10). They likely shared moments of joy, miracles, odd encounters, and persecution. Perhaps they had been driven out of towns, even stoned. As they swapped stories late into the night, John’s disciples arrived with heartbreaking news—John was dead (Matt. 14:12).

Jesus was deeply grieved. He withdrew by boat to be alone (Matt. 14:13). His disciples must have watched closely. What would Jesus do? This was the same man who had calmed storms (Luke 8:22–25), raised the dead (Luke 7:11–17), and taught about radical forgiveness. How would he respond now?

Tomorrow’s reading holds the answer.

Applying what you’ve read

As you lead others, there will be times you lead from a place of strength and joy—but also moments when you’ll need to lead through personal pain and sorrow. How you respond in those moments will flow from the way you’ve walked with God in the everyday.

Do you include him in every part of your life? Do you talk with him and listen to him—even when things are going well?

The habits of loving, trusting, and walking closely with God will sustain you in the hardest seasons—and allow you to keep leading, even through grief.