Mark 6:14-29 Sermon

This is one of the most sobering stories in Mark’s Gospel—and the only one that doesn’t directly involve Jesus. It’s a flashback told through the eyes of a conflicted king who silenced a prophet to save face at a party.

In Mark 6:14–29, we walk through the death of John the Baptist and the events leading up to it. Herod is haunted by what he’s done. Herodias is scheming. And John, a righteous man, is caught in the middle.

This story is heavy—and it should be. It shows us the cost of truth, the corruption of earthly power, and the kind of kingdom Jesus came to challenge. It also reminds us that following Jesus has always involved risk and sacrifice.

As we reflect on the weight of John’s death, we’re also pointed ahead to the death of Jesus Himself—and invited to remember Him through self-guided communion.