There is little that commends Herod to our consideration. He was self-willed and immoral. Yet because Herod respected John as a just and holy man, at least he knew enough to protect him from the murderous wrath of Herodias. It is not fully clear what took place when he, “having heard him, did many things.” Some feel the conversations perplexed Herod; others feel they began to change him. In any case, it seems he did whatever he could to hear John often, for he “heard him gladly.”

Yet despite Herod’s habit of spending time with John, he had no real inward response. Natural impulses overcame his shallow interest in discussion, even though the topics must have been spiritual. During his birthday feast, Herod was overtaken by pleasure (v. 22). His stepdaughter’s dancing so pleased and excited him that he rashly offered her anything she wished, up to half his kingdom. When she requested the head of John the Baptist, Herod could have denied this. He still had authority, after all! Yet his pride would not allow it. His promise had been made publicly before the chief officers, and Herod did not want to look bad by changing his mind (v. 26). The girl’s wish was granted, and Herodias obtained her desire. Yet Herod knew he himself was responsible for John’s death (v. 16). Herod’s willpower protected John for a time, but pleasure and pride overcame his will and caused him to sin even more.

None of us can ever make righteous decisions based on such impulses. They are strong forces that will overcome a mere sentimental attachment to Christianity. We must possess and enjoy a genuine relationship with Christ Himself, like John who had said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn. 3:30).