Slices
Prepare
Think of a time when you did something you knew was wrong. How did you feel? What did you do?
Bible passage
John the Baptist beheaded
14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, ‘This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’
3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: ‘It is not lawful for you to have her.’ 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.
6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, ‘Give me here on a dish the head of John the Baptist.’ 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Explore
This story centres on Herod, a tyrannical ruler but a weak man, and his wife Herodias who was cruel and manipulative. Do they remind you of any contemporary leaders? Verses 1 and 2 set the scene. Herod mistakenly thinks Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead. Looking at verses 3–5, what might the reasons be for that?
John the Baptist had problems with Herod and Herodias (v 4). He didn’t hesitate to speak truth to power. Herod divorced his first wife and persuaded his stepbrother Philip, who was married to Herodias at the time, to divorce her because Herod wanted to marry her. Herodias was also Herod’s niece. This gave Herod a dilemma (v 5).
The scene changes to Herod’s birthday party (vs 6–9). Imagine it: the palace was full of the rich and powerful; the food and drink were flowing; the party was becoming more raucous. Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased them so much that Herod made her a rash promise (v 7). How often do rash promises lead to unforeseen consequences; what might we learn from this? How might Herod have acted differently?
Respond
We have the same temptations of insecurity, pride, shame and failure that Herod had. We face the same costs of integrity and faithfulness that John the Baptist faced. Ask the Lord to give you strength to stand firm and not compromise your faith and trust in Jesus
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 27,28; Philemon 1
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Events Co-ordinator Heidi Beckham and the events team as they review a new expenses app, used for the first time by event leaders this summer to manage expenses. Ask God that technology like this will make everyone’s job easier, and free up more time for frontline work. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
