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 swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you even half of my kingdom.”
(Mark 6:21-23)
 

Mark 6:14-29

King Herod throws a party. This was common for someone of his status. Parties were opportunities for the wealthy elite to rub shoulders and feed one another’s egos. There was usually lots of wine and often indecent or risque entertainment at these parties. This particular party was for Herod’s birthday, so you can imagine the type of party hosted. 

Herod’s daughter came and danced for the guests at this party. We are told that her dancing pleased the guests. Let us not spend too much time wondering how her dancing pleased the guests (let alone her father), but we are told that Herod was so pleased that he promised to give the girl whatever she asked for, even half of his kingdom. 

Acknowledging where this story is placed in Mark’s Gospel is important. Immediately after this account of John’s death, Jesus and his disciples try to take a well-deserved break after all their travelling and ministry. Unfortunately, people find out where Jesus is going, and large crowds gather to hear him speak. Jesus honours their wishes and teaches them, but eventually, it gets late, and people are hungry. The disciples realise there is no food, but Jesus tells them not to panic. He takes what little they have (five loaves and two fish) and uses it to feed the thousands who were gathered (Mark 6:30-44). The party Jesus unexpectedly threw was completely different from Herod’s banquet. Food, time, relationship and wisdom were all enjoyed at Jesus’ party, but there was no over-indulgence and excess. Instead, they were shared equally so that all had enough but not too much.

The author of Mark’s Gospel placed these two stories next to each other for a reason. Mark was once again showing how the Kingdom of God differs from the kingdoms of the world. While worldly kingdoms like Herod’s value power, status, wealth, and manipulation, God’s Kingdom values wisdom, relationship, service, and abundance for all.

What do these two stories about wildly different parties teach you about God’s Kingdom compared to worldly kingdoms? What does it mean to live in God’s kingdom and to embody God’s values in your life?

Reflections by Rev Joe Taylor

God our King,
 We declare your ultimate authority over all the heavens and the earth. Help us to embody your kingdom values in our lives and not be enticed by fancy, worldly parties 

that are contrary to your will.
Amen.

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