Mark 6:14
And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
Mark 6:14
Herod’s hearing of Jesus and his concern that John the Baptist has risen from the dead reveals the rumor mill surrounding Jesus’ growing reputation. Herod’s guilt and fear connect to John’s earlier fate; the verse shows the political-religious tension of the time and the way Jesus’ movement unsettles rulers. The idea that mighty works are done in Jesus’ name reflects the growing public awareness of Jesus’ identity.
The verse accentuates the controversy Jesus stirs and foreshadows the coming conflict with authorities. It also highlights how personal history (Herod’s role in John’s death) intersects with Jesus’ ministry, underlining the universal reach and danger of the gospel to confront sin and corruption at all levels of society.
- Pay attention to how people’s past decisions shape their present responses to the gospel; your job is to present truth with humility.
- Be mindful of leadership and accountability in contexts of power, advocating justice and mercy.
Cross-References: Matthew 14:1-2; Luke 9:7-9; John 7:26-27