Mark 6:14-20

“For Herod had sent men who arrested John and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’” vss. 17-18

Herod had palaces in Jericho and at Masada, and probably regularly passed through the area where John was baptizing and preaching. Even though they didn’t run in the same social circles, Herod was aware of John’s fame, and was likely chagrined to hear that John had called his divorce and remarriage a grave sin. Because the divorce had sparked an international incident, (his ex-wife was the daughter of the king of Nabatea), and he feared John’s influential opposition, he chose to silence John by imprisoning him. It’s not unusual for prophets to get under the skin of kings and queens, it happened regularly in Israel. John knew that, and he realized speaking out against Herod was dangerous. But his loyalty was to God and not earthly rulers, and he spoke the truth to power, regardless of the consequences. It’s not easy for religious leaders to adopt such oppositional positions. Even when there is supposedly separation between church and state, politicians will do most anything to cultivate the favor of religious groups. And church leaders regularly jump on board to get the prestige of national prominence. True prophets will never get cozy with politicians! It’s almost impossible to speak truth to power from an inside position.

Thought for the Day: What happens when separation of church and state is compromised?