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.”
(Mark 6:17-18)
 

Mark 6:14-29

After the introduction to this story, which we reflected on yesterday, the remainder of this passage explains why and how John the Baptist was arrested and killed. 

John the Baptist was a true prophet of his time. Sometime earlier, he had confronted King Herod after the king had chosen to marry his brother’s wife, Herodias. John told him that this was not lawful and that it was damaging his relationships with his family. Unfortunately, like most dictatorships, no one is allowed to question the decisions of the ruler in power, and John was arrested and put in prison for this challenge. 

John must have known that he would be taking a considerable risk in confronting the King about his sin, but this is what prophets did. In this week's Old Testament reading, the prophet Amos confronts King Jeroboam about Israel’s and the king’s sins and is immediately excommunicated by the king (Amos 7:7-15). 

I wonder if John and Amos could have been more subtle in their approach to confronting their rulers' sins. Could they have found a way to speak their minds without directly offending the kings? People in power often abuse their authority and constantly get away with immoral and unjust things because others are too afraid to challenge them. Prophets throughout the Bible risked their lives to speak truth to power. 

We have seen many prophets similarly speak truth to power in recent times. I immediately think of Martin Luther King Jr. in the US and Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu closer to home in South Africa. Still today, hundreds of modern-day prophets are willing to risk their lives to speak against the injustice and selfishness perpetrated by authoritarian rulers throughout the world and, unfortunately, even within the Church.

The role of a prophet is dangerous but important. Last week, Jesus explained how prophets were often unwelcome in their homes. God has transformed the world through the lives of brave, ordinary prophets like John and Amos and continues to do so today.

Who are some modern-day prophets who have stood up to power and injustice? Where might God invite you to prophesy against injustice in your community?

Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor

God of Creation, 
Thank you for the lives of great prophets throughout human history.  Help me follow their bravery and faithfulness to confront the many injustices in our society.
Amen.

Visit our website