6.6.23 - Matthew 14:5-9
Consider who is being blamed for harm and violence, and from where the harm and violence originates? Who has the most gain from attacking the margins?
Though Herod wanted to put John the Baptist to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given;”
I have more questions than answers to this scripture.
The all too familiar women-hating tropes pervade: deceitful cunning, female embodiment through dance used as a tool to get what one wants, tricking men into murder—women used as an excuse for violent behavior of men in power.
An elaborate story to explain why Herod killed a man he already wanted dead, save for his fear of public unrest.
This wasn’t the first or last prophet that Herod sought to kill. Prophet-killer is part of Herod’s Biblical role, and Herod is always about protecting his power.
The questions I’m left with resonate today: Who are the prophet-killers scapegoating, and why? Who are the true prophet-killers? How can we challenge the power of prophet-killers? How do we remove prophet-killers from power?
As you move through your day, take notice of where you experience truth-telling? Alternatively, where do you experience the truth being hidden?
-- Jenny Whitcher