Worthy of it All

There are times when you can see in his Word that you're being called to obedience even without seeing how he's going to provide, before you can see the outcome, before you can see how the future's going to work out. That's the walk of faith. We need to follow Jesus in more than words; we need to follow him in how we live.

[Mar 6:7-30 CSB]
7 He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. 8 He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a staff -- no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts, 9 but to wear sandals and not put on an extra shirt. 10 He said to them, "Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. 11 "If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
14 King Herod heard about it, because Jesus's name had become well known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that's why miraculous powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "He's Elijah." Still others said, "He's a prophet, like one of the prophets from long ago."
16 When Herod heard of it, he said, "John, the one I beheaded, has been raised! "
17 For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him.
21 An opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When Herodias's own daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I'll give it to you." 23 He promised her with an oath: "Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom."
24 She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for? " "John the Baptist's head," she said.
25 At once she hurried to the king and said, "I want you to give me John the Baptist's head on a platter immediately." 26 Although the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests he did not want to refuse her. 27 The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John's head. So he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When John's disciples heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught.

GOING DEEPER 
Parallel, Related and Referenced Passages 
Parallel Accounts: Matthew 10:1–16; 14:1-12, Luke 9:1–9 
 
1) THE APOSTLES’ MISSION 

• Num. 35:30, Deut. 17:6; 19:15, 2 Cor. 13:1, 1 Timothy 5:19 – A matter is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 
• Exodus 12:11 – Israelites told to be ready to leave Egypt. 
• Luke 22:35–36 – Jesus teaches different applications in different seasons. 
• Mark 10:45 – The Son of Man came to serve. 
• Matthew 28:18–20 – Jesus sends His disciples with authority. 
• John 13:34–35 – Love marks discipleship. 
• Hebrews 13:17 – Obey and submit to God’s authority. 
• Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust God for guidance. 

2) HEROD’S TROUBLE 

• Leviticus 18:16; 20:21 – Prohibition against marrying a brother’s wife. 
• Genesis 16:1–3 – Sarah schemes; Abraham complies. 
• Genesis 27:6–17 – Rebekah schemes; Jacob complies. 
• Genesis 3:6 – Eve deceived; Adam follows. 
• Esther 5:6–8 – Haman’s plot parallels Herodias’ scheming. 
• Psalm 37:12–15 – God’s justice prevails over wicked schemes. 
• Proverbs 16:18 – Pride precedes destruction. 
• Romans 1:28–32 – Consequences of rejecting God’s truth. 

 
3) THE LOOMING SHADOW 

• Philippians 2:8 – Christ humbled Himself to death. 
• 1 Peter 2:21–23 – Christ suffered as an example for believers. 
• Hebrews 12:2–3 – Jesus endured the cross; perseverance. 
• Matthew 5:10–12 – Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness. 
• 2 Timothy 3:12 – All who desire to live godly, face persecution. 
• Romans 8:17–18 – Sharing in Christ’s sufferings and glory.