My Daily Journal:
Today’s lesson is an amazing example of the theory of evolution in practice with humans. Herod was a case study in the survival of the fittest. He achieved power. He was the ruler of the kingdom. He took what he wanted. He did everything and anything necessary to maintain that status and power. Even his relationships with others were all about power: who had it, who controlled it, who had the ability to disseminate it. Things like God and prophets and the Messiah were curiosities, things to be enjoyed.
This is what survival of the fittest looks like. We as humans do not become better, kinder, more caring individuals when left to our own ways. We become egomaniacs, murderers, adulterers, rulers, twisted, misguided, manipulators. When others point out our sins and wrongs we strike back, hard, to make an example of them.
Herod demonstrated the character of man (you and me) fully incarnate. Jesus represents the character of God fully incarnate. Oh, and what a difference there is!
The only way to evolve into something better than we are by our own character is to be transformed into His character.
My Answers:
3.
a.
This is messed up. Herod is sleeping with his brother’s wife and has a daughter by her. She dances at his birthday party in front of guests and he is so pleased he asks her to name anything she wants and she asks for JTB’s head on a platter.
b.
Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man
4.
a.
he knew him to be a righteous and holy man, he was greatly puzzled but liked to listen to him. He was afraid because he was known as a profit
b.
to save face 26: because of his oaths and dinner guests. Because he was blinded by sin 18 is is not lawful for you
c.
Of course not – oath vs. murder???
d.
Mark 6:16 John, whom I beheaded (guilt) Luke 9:9 I beheaded John – who is this>?
5.
a.
As a fox
b.
Nothing
c.
Herod would not be changed by words, no matter how convicting. He simply wanted entertainment
6.
Snowball effect of power corrupting
The Notes are Good 