March 25–31. Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 5–6: ‘Be Not Afraid’

Come Follow Me for Individuals and Families

March 25–31. Matthew 14–15; Mark 6–7; John 5–6: ‘Be Not Afraid’

Miracles happen in prisons in the Book of Mormon, Alma and Amulek stand alone as the prison walls and all those in it who reviled them were destroyed (Alma 14) Aaron and Muloki and their brethren are released from prison after the miraculous conversion of Lamoni’s father (Alma 20). Many Lamanites were converted as a result of divine intervention when Nephi and Lehi were in prison (Helaman 5). In contrast, John the Baptist was in prison because Herod feared doing anything more drastic to him, and eventually, “knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” But Herod got drunk and backed himself into a corner with Salome which led to his beheading the man of whom the Savior said, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). Such was the impact of John the Baptist on Herod, that when he heard of Jesus’s miracles, he said, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him” (Matthew 14:2).

Why my focus on John the Bapist today? Well basically because Matthew 14 seems to start with Herod as if something was going to happen, then backs up and gives the background, but never completes it. You have to go to Mark 6 to get a fuller description, but even then it is up to us to make the connection. And because I am getting confused, here are the Herods, and the political/religious leaders we deal with in the time of Christ:

Herod the Great is the ruler who was responsible for the massacre of the innocents in Matthew 2. 

Herod Antipas, his son, was the tetrarch referred to with regard to John the Baptist and before whom Jesus was brought. 

Pontius Pilate was the Roman leader assigned to Judea. Herod Antipas served under him. 

The Sanhedrin was the political and judicial court, comprising—possibly—Pharisees, and Saducees.

The Scribes and the Pharisees were basically lawyers, having different views of resurrection. 

The Saducees were high priests who clung to the Torah (5 books of Moses) 

That is a very simplified run down on who was instrumental in bringing events to the crucifixion of Christ.

What stuck out to me most in this week’s reading occurred after Jesus had walked on water to the disciples’ boat and they had reached shore to be met by many people. 

For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52).

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled (John 6:26)

Miracles happen in our lives, but that is not what leads to our lasting conversion. That comes from our relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, through prayer, through studying Their words, and listening and heeding the counsel of Their prophets.