Hearing Gladly

The son of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas provides a very important lesson for us about hearing and responding to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Herod Antipas was the ruler over Galilee during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. Like most of the Roman rulers during that time, he was ruthless and without conscience, but he also showed an unusual interest in spiritual matters. Mark 6 tells us the story of how he arrested John the Baptist, but frequently listened to his preaching. In fact, in verse 20, the ESV says that Herod heard him gladly.

In other words, Herod enjoyed listening to John talk about spiritual matters including eternal life and the power of God. But he is the ultimate example of someone who listens and even enjoys hearing about the Gospel, and yet goes on to commit unspeakable evil. It was Herod who became so controlled by his lust for his stepdaughter that he made a promise to give her anything, up to half of his kingdom. It was the same Herod who enjoyed listening to John that ordered his beheading.

Clearly the enjoyment of listening to the Gospel is no sign of salvation or even impending salvation. It can be experienced by those who continue to pursue a self-centered life and even a life of ongoing evil. Each person who hears and enjoys the Gospel must come to a point when they must either reject or accept its message. That involves coming to a full understanding of the message of the Gospel. The Gospel offers salvation and eternal life to any and all who hear it, if only they place their faith in the the Lord Jesus Christ. But today, many confuse belief that Jesus is God with the idea of placing their faith in Christ. Faith requires reliance...dependence. It is possible to believe something without really becoming dependent upon it. Godly faith requires reliance and dependence upon God to the point that our lives reflect change that is recognizable by those who know us well. It is tragic that while Herod enjoyed listening to John, he never made that step of faith.