Show Don't Tell: Matthew 14:1-12
Instead of saying "Herod had John beheaded," watch the birthday party turn dark. Herod hears about Jesus and shudders: "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead!" Guilt speaking. Flashback: John had confronted Herod about taking his brother's wife Herodias. Herod wanted to kill John but feared the people. Then the birthday banquet. Herodias's daughter dances; Herod is pleased. He swears an oath: ask anything, up to half the kingdom. The girl consults her mother: "The head of John the Baptist on a platter." Herod is distressed—bound by oath, watched by guests. He sends the executioner. Picture the dungeon, the sword, the platter carried into the feast, presented to the girl, delivered to her mother. John's disciples take the body and bury it, then go tell Jesus. The forerunner's race is finished.
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