John Beheaded

On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod

so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted

and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.

On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

When the daughter of Herodias came 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.”

And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.”

At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.”

The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her.

So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.

The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.

When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead,

others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.

“I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.