The Narrative of Jesus’ Life
The prophet in the below account, John the Baptizer, was called by God to prepare people for Jesus. He also was Jesus’ cousin, on his mother’s side of the family.
Excerpt from the Gospel Reading
Mark 6:22 For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. (ESV)
Sharing your Faith
- Why was John the Baptist imprisoned? (You can find this in Mark 6:14-21.)
- Consider King Herod’s situation. As a Christian, how do you choose when caught between a “rock and a hard place”?
- Share about a time you paid a price for your Christian faith.
Pray for One Another
Each person is invited to share a prayer request. Another participant will volunteer to offer the petition. Once everyone has chosen a prayer request, take turns offering the prayers aloud.
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This devotion is for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost, following the LCMS three-year lectionary. You can download a free copy of all the 2017-2018 Conversations about Faith & Life devotions on the Resources page.
Kevin Wilson 360 