Mark 6:14-32   This picture.. that Mark gives us.. is more of a montage. 

First we have a picture of Herod, the king.  Herod had arrested John the baptist because John had pointed out his sin of adultery with his brother's wife.  Yet.. Herod had respect for John and "kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; but he used to enjoy listening to him." (v20).  It was only because of a rash vow to the daughter of Herodias that Herod ordered the death of John. 

We also have a brief glimpse into Herodias herself.. "And Herodias had a grudge against him (John) and wanted to put him to death and could not do so.."  Yet, when her daughter danced for Herod and pleased him so much that he offered her up to half of his kingdom.. Herodias told her to ask for John's head on a platter. 

We are not given the girl's name here.. but we learn a little about her.  She was probably beautiful and as she danced before the king and his guests.. she was probably very sensual. She was young enough that she didn't realize what was being offered to her. How foolish to ask for the thing that her mother wanted.. John's head.. when she could have gained so much more that would have been to her benefit the rest of her life. 

John is mentioned here briefly.. in prison.. unexpectedly beheaded.. buried by his disciples. This picture is blurry.. eclipsed by the drama in the palace.. but more precious to the One who knew him deeply. 

But, the main picture is always the greatest one.. Jesus.  Some people thought that Jesus was a reincarnated or resurrected  John.. or that He was a prophet like those of old.  But, here we see Jesus.. totally Himself.. a "Man of sorrows"..  needing rest.. needing solitude.   His disciples returned from their missions and reported all that they had "done and taught... And Jesus said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while.' " 

Jesus, blessed Savior, you show us Your love and compassion.. You show us what grief and sorrow You endured.  You show us that even when others misunderstood who You were.. it did not change Your focus.  Help us to see You more clearly and know You more through this Word that we have read today. Father, draw us nearer and open our eyes and hearts .. filling us with deep love for our Savior and King. Amen.