Matthew 14:2
And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
MATTHEW 14:2
Herod’s interpretation turns to the sensational: “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.” Herod’s reasoning blends superstition and fear. He believes Jesus is a resurrected John, which reveals his own guilty conscience and the way personal history (John’s denunciations of Herod’s marriage) shapes interpretation of contemporary events.
This moment highlights the blurred lines between fear, rumor, and discernment. It shows how a guilty conscience can warp perception, attributing current events to supernatural causes to try to justify one’s own sin. It also underscores the continuity between John the Baptist’s ministry and Jesus’, as both proclaim the coming kingdom and confront sin.
We can learn from Herod’s confusion: events in our lives may not neatly fit our expectations, and our fear can distort interpretation. Practical wisdom: seek clarity through truth, scripture, and wise counsel instead of jumping to sensational conclusions. When you hear a dramatic explanation for a current situation, test it against God’s Word and the fruits of the Spirit.
Cross-References: Mark 6:14-16; Luke 9:7-9; John 11:47-49; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15