The True Cost of Discipleship

Scripture:

  For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

(Mark 6:17–29 NRSV)

Observation:

Sandwiched between the sending out of the disciples to minister and their return we discover the death of John the Baptist. This is a morbid tale where a leader allows things to get out of hand. Seduced by the dancing of a young girl he pledges to give her whatever she asks. Slipping out to her mother she asks for advice. Her mother, was carrying a grudge against John the Baptist because he had dared to say that her relationship with Herod was improper. For his intolerance, she would have his head. 

Kent Brower gives us this glimpse of the situation:

The story of John’s death is a reminder that the announcement of the good news of the kingdom of God is never good news for the secular powers who seek to dominate and arrogate power to themselves. Here, as always, when religion and politics mix, there are dire consequences. The story reminds us that the message of liberation from sin is not restricted to the spiritual realm. John’s fearless confrontation with Herod cost him his life. (NBBC)

While the disciples are out traveling door to door, and village to village, the true cost of discipleship is on full display, for it cost John everything.

Application:

Disciples are still being called to come and follow Christ. The reality is that discipleship remains costly. While engaged in a culture that seems to equate tolerance with love, the life of a true disciple will begin to be out of step with society. When practices such as prayer, fasting and self-denial are encouraged as a part of spiritual growth and formation, we may be looked upon with incredulity because the discipline of discipleship may appear to be conforming. In many ways it is, because it is conforming to the nature of Jesus Christ. 

John the Baptist dared to call out Herod for his relationship with Herodias, for it was unlawful in the eyes of scripture. Herodias wanted no constraints on her life and believed that she was free to do what she wanted. Presumably the argument in response to John was that these individuals loved each other. She may have felt that John’s criticism made her feel guilty about her relationship with Herod. Therefore, to enjoy the pleasures of the world, she wanted to be rid of John. 

John was willing to step into the messy spaces of discipleship. He and his followers were not content with a bible study at the local church on Thursday morning. No, he intentionally engaged with the world and his death foreshadowed of that of Jesus. Just as Jesus’ disciples were learning that they were called to participate in his mission, John revealed that  it would cost them everything. 

This leaves us pondering whether we are willing to embrace the cost of true discipleship? Jesus is calling forth those with courage to follow him. 

Prayer:

Lord, these are sobering thoughts. Help me to know you more and follow you into the challenging spaces of our world. Amen.