The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-01-05
| SUNDAY SCHOOL WORK
CALCULATION AND REVIEW OF THE.
INTERNATIONAL LESSON FOR JAN.6
The BcheadinE of John the baptist
as Related In Mark vi, 15-20-Six
Points of Study for Teachers.
BY JAMES Z. GILBERT,
Secretary of the American Society for Re-
lgious Education.

Secretary of the American Society for Re-
ligous Education.
This lesson is incidental and retrospective.
1t is introduced into the gospel narrative
out of its order, to account for the suspi-
cions of Herod on hearing of Christ's pop
ularty. Mark vi, I'd But for the troubled
conscience Of that licentious King, ayaken-
Ing his fears that the murdered John had
returned to life, clothed with even greater
power John X. 4D, the world might never
have known the manner of his death. The
greatest of the prophets, his mission be-
ing fulfilled CMatt. iii, 3; John i, 81, might
have sunken into obscurity before Him
whom he introduced John ill., 800, as the
stars disappear when the great luminary
mounts the heavens.
Herod had two palaces-one for the VIM
ter in the south, east of the Jordan. the
other for the spring and summer at Tiberias
on the western shore of the Sea ofsGalilee.
His removal from the former to the hat
ter transferred him from the field of Johns
ministry to that of Jesus. Hence the
knowledge of Jesus.
Rearrangng the facts chronologicaly and
accepting some guidance from profane his
tory Uosephus Antiq. lib. xviii, c. y, the
passage may be studied under six heads.
Sinful Wedlock.-The Herod of this les
son (Antipas), descendant of both Jacob
and Esau, on the death of his father, Herod
the Great. became tetrarch of Galilee and
Perea. duke iii, II Educated at Rome
and married to the beautiful daughter of
Aretas, King of Arabia, he began his ca
reer with catering prospects. While On
visit to Jerusalem. he became enamored
of Herodias. granddaughter of Herod the
Great, his niece, the wife of Herod-Philip,
lf-hr q Of
Overtures of marriage were accepted One
put away his wife and the other abandoned
her husband. An elopmement followed
Salome, daughter of Herodias, accompany
ing her mother, and the incestuous twain
celebrated their nuptials In the palace. This
scandalous proceeding violated the law of
God Qev. Xxx, 2D, trampled upon mans
honor and outraged domestic purity 1t
became an open reproach to the throne
and a menace to public morality. And yet,
the courtiers gathered about condoned the
offense and joined in the batteries and fes-
tivities that infiame the pride and crafty
the ambition of a social monster.
Faithful Preaching.-Then came the Bap-
tist into Herods dominions John t. 2S)
preaching repentance. Crowds gathered to
hear, the king becoming an interested audi
tor Greatly pleased with the preacher
Herod did many things enjoined in the SER
mons verse 20). That a great oppor-
Unity for the reformer. If he can win the
ruler popularity and fortune await him.
Shall he seek gently dealing in abstract
and batteries? Shall he discourse upon the
sin of the antediluvians or present the
virtues of the patriarchs? Shall he bring
flowers of rhetoric and quotations from the
sages? Cor. ii, u. A wide field Of polite
learning, familiar to Herod, might have
afforded him many interesting themes But
how can John benefit the ruler unless he
penetrates into the heart and touches the
sore spot? Ger. xii 10 And how can he
prepare for Messiah unless he strikes at
sin in high places? Qsa lvi 1N. And what
is most important, how shall he answer to
God, 1T he let the sinner escape? (Ezek Iii,
s; Acts xX, 20. The preacher of the will
deIness did his duty, plainly, fearlessly.
There was no doubt of his meaning when
he declared to Herod, 'It is not lawful for
thee to have thy brothers wife" AS a
court preacher John placed himself beside
Nathan e Sam. xii, y and Elijah Ct Kings
xxi, 20).
Restrained Hatred.-There is reason to be-
Heve that Herod was convicted, for he
acknowledged John to be holy man. Posi-
bly,, if left to himself. he would have put
away Herodias. And she may have feared
reused the worst elements OF her nature
She hated him and would have killed him
had she power and opportunity. prov. tx
I'D. Partly to appease her and protect the
man OF God, partly to rid himself of such
bold accuser, perhaps to prevent tumult
among the people who might rise up against
a wicked ruler, perhaps because the devil
prompted and God permitted psalm lxxvi.
lV, Herod shut up John in prison. The
place selected is supposed to have been the
fortress of Machaerus about six miles east
ward from the head of the Dead sea. From
that lofty point John. might have looked
over all the scenes of his childhood and
ministry. When he was imprisoned Jesus
departed into Galilee. Matt iv, 12). From
that prison John sent messengers to Jesus
(Matt II, y, desiring to be assured that he
was the Messiah.
Bloody Revenge.-Woman's heart may be
pure as an angels, or 1t may contain the
hate of a demon. prov. xiii, %. 2S) Re-
strained in her murderous design, Herodias
did not abandon it., The opportunity came
months after Contrary to Jewish law but
according to heather custom tGen. Il, 20;
E.sth. /, 81; I Pet. iv, -. the occasion was
closed with a most revolving exhibition.
salome, half-clad, performed the part Of
presence. Dan. " % The drunken King.
as reward. promised to grant whatever
kingdom (Esth. V. $50 proposing TO make
her estate equal to his own After consul
tation with HerodaS, the girl filed this
blank check the royal exchequer by
writing in 1.-The head of John Regret came
too late. False pride obliged the King to
keep his word. Reeking with blood the
present was brought in charger (Numb.
vii, i3), and delivered to the voluptuous
mistress. The last obstacle is removed. The
voice is silent that dares to condemn.
Henceforth lust may rule in Herods pal
ace. Satan has trumphed for time.
Loving Service-Draw the curtain upon
that scene of blood. Leave Herod, and
Herodias. and Salome, and the drunken
courtiers to their consciences and to God.
Emerging from the fortress of Machaerus
is slowly moving procession. The head
less body of John is borne upon bier by
disciples whose hearts beat with brotherly
affection The precious dust is laid away,
| no one knowing the spot where de-
! posted the earthly remains of the last of
| the Jewish prophets. This sad office per-
| formed those disciples fastened away to
the north to tell Jesus, and find sympathy
| and instruction, to devote their lives and
! fortunes to His cause. And He. the Master.
calling his followers more closely. With
drew with them out of Herods possessions
| to the northward Matt xiv. 49,. there to
strengthen His hold upon those that loved
| Him. far removed from the scenes of OPP
position and blood
Divine Jldgmen,.-It is said that Salome
and yraS 6dr Er,ifa tod