Reading 15
Human Pride and Christ’s Love—Matthew 14
Herod is pretty sure this Jesus he keeps hearing about is John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod remembers John’s death because he ordered it. John told Herod to his face that it was unlawful for Herod to be “having” his brother’s wife, so Herod used the power vested in his political position and had John imprisoned. At Herod’s birthday party, he is so delighted by the dance of a young woman that he promises her anything she wants. She wants John’s head.
So far, this story feels far away from my life. I’m not the ruler of a great dynasty. I don’t have the power to imprison someone because they called me on my bad behavior. I cannot imagine being so pleased by something that happened at my birthday party that I would say, “I’ll give you anything you ask of me.” It feels like a story about people who are wholly unlike me—until we get to verse 9 and read, “The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.”
The king was grieved, yet he felt stuck, and he did something he didn’t want to do because people were expecting him to do it. Now, this is my story. I have gone along with things I didn’t want to do because I felt stuck and others in the room expected me to do it. I have known what is right and done something different. I have chosen not to use my privilege to stop something I should have stopped. I lament the truth of this, but it’s still true. I am not wholly unlike Herod.
When Jesus heard about John’s execution, he didn’t run to Herod to set things straight, to take revenge. He took some time by himself (v.13). When others interrupted him, he drew near to them, not away (v.14). When they got hungry, he fed them abundantly (vv. 15-21). When they were sick, he healed them (v. 14, 36). This is our Savior, who uses his power for love of neighbor. We do not deserve such love, but it is poured into us. In turn, we can pour ourselves out for the sake of the world God loves.
To Consider:
- Call to mind a moment when you did not use your power to speak up and stop something hurtful from happening. Take three breaths as you dwell in that memory. If you could do it again, what would you do or say differently?
- How is God equipping (feeding, healing, teaching) you for next time you find yourself with a choice about speaking up and shaping a conversation or event?
God of second chances, forgive me for the times I have protected my pride or position while my neighbor was hurting. Grant me clarity to see, courage to speak, and generosity to act in service of my neighbor. I pray this in the name of Jesus, who is my example and my Lord. Amen.
The Rev. Jennifer Lynn Shimota is the Coordinator of Seminary Enrollment at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir Rhyne University in Columbia, SC. Her first grandchild will be born right around the time this devotion is published. When you see her, she promises to wear a mask and keep some distance when she whips out her phone to show you pictures of him.
