Backed into a Corner

Herod had a mixed reaction to John the Baptist. On one hand, he knew that John “was a righteous and holy man.” He even enjoyed listening to him. This was a special kind of enjoyment. The Greek word is the source of the English word “hedonism.” Listening to John brought him great pleasure.

At the same time, Herod was “very perplexed” by John’s message. The Greek word means not knowing what to do. To be at a loss. Herod seemed to realize that John’s message backed him into a corner. He knew he needed to respond, yet he hesitated.

Others had positive responses to John. Multitudes flocked to hear him, responding to his dynamic ministry. Many were intrigued but seemed to be backed into a corner. He challenged them to respond and change.

Herod, too, had been intrigued until John confronted him about the fact that he had married Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod found this criticism intolerable, and “locked John up in prison” (Luke 3:20). While continuing to find enjoyment in John’s messages, ultimately Herod was not ready to change.

Many react to the Gospel in similar ways. They are intrigued and find enjoyment. But ultimately they are not ready to change. They are like those who followed Jesus for a time but ultimately “withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore” (John 6:66).

Jesus gives us a choice. Will we give up everything to follow Him?