People of the Holy Bible - 5. John and Herod

Extract

People of the Holy Bible
5. John and Herod
C. H. Spurgeon

“For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly” Mark 6:20. John sought no honour among men. It was his delight to say concerning our Lord Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Yet, though John sought no honour of men, he had honour; for it is written, “Herod feared John.” Herod was a great monarch, John was but a poor preacher whose garment and diet were of the coarsest kind; but “Herod feared John.” John was more royal than royal Herod. His character made him the true king, and the nominal king trembled before him. A man is not to be estimated according to his rank, but according to his character. The peerage which God recognises is arranged according to a man’s justice and holiness. He is first before God and holy angels who is first in obedience; and he reigns and is made a king and a priest whom God hath sanctified and clothed with the fair white linen of a holy life. Be not covetous of worldly honours, for you will have honour enough even from wicked men if your lives are “holiness unto the Lord.” Let it be written on John’s tomb, if he needs an epitaph, “Herod feared John.” Only there is one better testimonial which any minister of the gospel might be glad to receive, and it is this: “John did no miracle, but all things which he spake concerning this man were true.” He wrought no marvellous work, which astonished his generation, but he spake of Jesus, and all that he said was true: God grant that our Master’s servants may win such praise.

My subject at this time does not lead me to speak so much of John as of Herod. I desire to have no Herod in this congregation, but I am anxious about some of you lest you should be like him; …