Mark 6:1-6; 14-29 A. - Founded the “Herodian” dynasty and ruled from 37 BC to 4 BC. Not a true Jew but an Edomite, a descendant of Esau. “…a heathen in practice and a monster in character.” Instituted “The Massacre of the Innocents” in Bethlehem and its districts at the time of ’ birth. B. Herod Agrippa I - The grandson of Herod the Great who imprisoned Peter and killed James in . He was “…eaten by worms and died.” Acts 12:23 C. Herod Agrippa II - He is the son of Herod Agrippa I and is the Herod who tried Paul in ,26. C. - He was the son of Herod the Great. His title was “tetrarch” which means “ruler over the fourth part of the kingdom.” He ruled from 4 BC till 39 AD. What lessons can we possibly learn from this man? 1) He Rejected God’s Word Concerning His Sin: vv.17-18:

For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of , his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Lust, Covetousness, Adultery and Divorce! “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15

“Fools mock at sin…” Proverbs 14:9 2) He Believed in Life Beyond the Grave, but Failed to Prepare for it: vv.14-16

“Now King Herod heard of Him (Jesus), for His name had become well known. And he said, ‘ is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.’ 15 Others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.’ 16 But when Herod heard, he said, ‘This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!’ 3) Herod Chose to Disobey God in Order to Keep a Promise to a Woman: vv.21-28

“…John had said to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ 19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” Mark 6:18-20

4) Herod Hardened His Heart to the Point of No Return: “…Herod wants to kill (Jesus)” Luke 13:31 “When Pilate heard of , he asked if the Man were a Galilean.7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him… 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other.” Luke 23:6-12 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Mark 8:37