The evening grew raucous, a sultry woman danced to the crowd’s delight, and John the Baptist lost his head. Of the many despicable stories in the Bible, this one stands out. The girl boldly requested her reward and King Herod, afraid of losing face, immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter.

Not that this death didn’t serve Herod. John constantly prodded Herod about his unlawful marriage to his brother’s sister. In one act Herod silenced John and his carping wife at the same time. Plus, in his brutality Herod instilled fear in those who witnessed this crime and others who heard about it later. Cross this king at your own risk.

The callous murder of an innocent man served Herod. Just as heartless acts benefit those who commit them today. Be it launching wars, cheating at work, or joining social media mobs, callousness serves for a time. But it’s not the way to an enduring life.

John the Baptist’s cousin taught two critical commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.

It’s difficult to remain cold-hearted when musing on how I might treat the person in my crosshairs like I want to be treated. The way of Jesus pushes me away from selfish inclinations, but my heart ricochets back. My way is the best way, and in my mind I’m willing to lop off a few heads to get what I want.

In contrast, Jesus directs me to attempt an anti-callous lifestyle. And perhaps, with his strength, I might just do so.

Mark 6:14-29; 12:29-30

Photo by Paul Macallan