May 15, 2011: Brokering Power – Michael Hidalgo

John seemed less concerned with Herod’s “impure” relationship and more concerned with the special relationship he was in that served to further his power. His marriage was one that secured his power further, and extended his reach wider. John calls him out on that and ends up in prison. His imprisonment reflects the fear of many who are in power. Power that has been taken – not power that has been given. 

In the end, John is beheaded. Because when we challenge the powers it will never go well for us. History tells us that those who challenge the powerful almost always end up dead.