What does Mark 6:25 mean?
The story of the death of John the Baptist is filled with subtext. His preaching of repentance and accusations against Herod Antipas threaten the position and authority of Antipas' wife, Herodias. In fear of John's followers, Antipas disregards his wife's concerns and refuses to kill John. Antipas likes John, and knows he is a holy and righteous man, even as he is perplexed by John and desires to kill him (Matthew 14:5).Antipas is surrounded by "nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee" (Mark 6:21) who have come to celebrate his birthday. His wife's daughter has danced for the men and entranced them so much that Antipas offers half his kingdom. The girl asks her mother what she should ask for, and Herodias responds, "The head of John the Baptist" (Mark 6:24).
Antipas is again caught between fear for his rule and his ambitious, vindictive wife. This time, however, another party has witnessed the oath and the request. If Antipas refuses Herodias this time, the nobles and commanders will witness their king going back on his word. He will lose his reputation for integrity, and his people will believe they cannot trust him.
The manner of the death adds insult to injury for Antipas. Herodias has waited long enough. She doesn't just want John dead, she wants Antipas to publicly do her bidding and formally present her with her demand. Antipas has a choice: losing the respect of the nobles, or bowing to the manipulative wishes of his wife.
Mark 6:14–29 follows the disciples' success in continuing John the Baptist's work with a flashback of John's execution. John was Jesus' cousin (Luke 1:36) and the herald of Jesus' ministry (John 1:19–28). He preached repentance to many, including Andrew and Peter (John 1:35–42). He also baptized Jesus (Mark 1:9–11). Herod Antipas ruled over Galilee, where Jesus was from, and Perea, near where John preached. Antipas was fascinated by John, but his wife felt threatened by John's condemnation of their incestuous marriage. This story is also found in Matthew 14:1–12, Luke 3:19–20, and Luke 9:7–9.
Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, but the people there are faithless and skeptical. As a result, Jesus performs no more than a few minor miracles. He then assigns His twelve apostles to travel in pairs, preaching repentance and healing various conditions. Mark then takes a brief detour to explain the death of John the Baptist, beheaded after Herod Antipas is tricked by his wife. The focus then returns to Jesus, explaining His miraculous feeding of thousands of people, walking on water, and healing people in Gennesaret.
