The reaction of the people Jesus grew up with is very sad (v1-4). Verses 5-6 are amazing. ‘ALL’ that Jesus could do was to heal. Most of us would think, surely that was enough? But what were the mighty works He couldn’t do? Could it be that today that Jesus is not moving as you desire as you are not a person praying with faith?

In the action of the 12 apostles we see the work that Christians have to carry out. A major part of their task was confronting evil (v7). The disciples also preached for people to repent (v12) and sought to bring healing to the sick (v13).

Another important message in this passage is about how we respond to those sharing the Gospel (v8-11). It is obvious that Jesus expects others to help in providing for them practically (v8-9) as well as accepting the Biblical message they bring.

Jesus described John the Baptist as the greatest man born of a woman. His greatness was something that Herod was very aware of even after his death (v14-16). John’s greatness was to be seen in him fearlessly speaking the truth of God, even about Herod’s sinful marriage with Herodias (v17-18). We must pray for such courage.

In contrast to John we see in Herodias a woman driven by hate (v19-20). We must not be shocked when we face antagonism after standing for the standards of Christ.