The Cost of the Call - Mark 6: 14-29

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Scripture Reading

Mark 6: 14-29 (ESV)

The Death of John the Baptist

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias's daughter 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 to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Reflection:

This is one of the darkest moments in Mark—John the Baptist, the bold forerunner of Jesus, is executed because he told the truth about Herod’s sin. There’s no miracle rescue, no dramatic escape, just a costly end to a faithful life.

It’s a sobering reminder that following God’s call is not always safe or “successful” by human standards. Sometimes obedience leads to applause; sometimes it leads to opposition or loss.

For worship leaders, this doesn’t mean we go looking for suffering—but it does mean we remember that our ultimate goal is not comfort or popularity.

It’s faithfulness to Jesus and His kingdom, even when the cost is real.

Personal Questions:

1. Am I willing to be faithful to Jesus even when it’s uncomfortable or costly?
2. Are there areas where I’ve been tempted to compromise truth to avoid conflict?
3. How does John’s courage challenge me in my own leadership?

Team Questions:

1. Why is it important for worship leaders to value faithfulness over platform or popularity?
2. How can we support one another when obedience to Jesus feels costly?
3. What does it look like to speak truth with both courage and humility in our roles?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for the example of John’s courage and faithfulness. Give me a heart that loves truth more than comfort and obedience more than approval. Help me lead in a way that honors You, whatever the cost. Amen.