GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Herod and John: Mt 14,1-12
The story of the death of John the Baptist is as usual told in far more detail by Mark (Mk 6,14-29). For the issue in the background of this story, 14,3-4, see Leviticus 18,16.
It is worth noting just how Matthew has shortened and simplified Mark's graphic account. What is the result of this editing? How is the story introduced in both Gospels (14,3, Mk 6,17)? Look back at 4,12 and 11,2.
We begin our reading by recalling what we discovered in the overview, that Matthew unlike Mark makes a new start in the opening verse of the chapter while making a link to the preceeding rejection at Nazareth (13,54-58). How is 14,2 linked with 13,58?
Consider how Matthew's editorial work allows us to see the fate of John the Baptist as an anticipation of the fate of Jesus in his passion in chapters 26 and 27. A good way to read this story is to look for the parallels in these two chapters:
Who are responsible for the deaths of John and Jesus? What do they have in common?
John is arrested (14,3) so too would be Jesus.
Herod fears the crowds (14,5), who fears them for Jesus?
John is regarded as a prophet (14,5): where is this said of Jesus (see as well 21,26)?
Herod is asked to execute John by others (14,8). Who is the agent of Jesus' death at the request of others?
How are both grieved and reluctant to do so (14,9 for Herod)?
John is buried by his disciples (14,12). So too for Jesus.
What does Matthew (but not Mark) say at the end of this scene (14,12)?
When you are ready, look at my response.
We now continue to Jesus' banquet with the feeding of the crowd, Mt 14,21-31.