Of Such Is The Kingdom Part I—Discontent and Insurrection

MEANWHILE THE GUESTS had begun arriving and the final preparations were done.  The party began.  The ballroom of the palace was huge and it was filled with guests.  The band played rousing music while some of the guests danced.  Others simply sat and made conversation.  There were long tables with all manner of food and drink from which the guests would sample discretely every now and then.

Then, in she came. In her fancy dress, she was even more beautiful than Herod remembered from that first glance.  She whispered something to the leader of the band and began her dance.  It was both artistic and sensual, both graceful and alluring.  Herod was taken with her, from the moment he saw her, and, as she danced he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.  With his hand beside his mouth, he made comments to the friends beside him regarding her great beauty, while all the while, keeping his eyes fixed firmly upon her.  Every minute she danced, he became more excited.  When the dance was finished, he called her over to him.

She came, shy and trembling.  “Did my dance please you, your Majesty?”

“Oh, very much so, my dear!  In fact, so much so, that I’m going to make you gift.  Ask me for anything you like, up to the half of my kingdom and I shall give it to you.”

“Why, your Majesty, I don’t know what to say.”

“Only tell me what it is you desire.  Gold, rubies, diamonds, you name it, and it’s yours, dear.”

“Your Majesty, may I have a little time to think on this?”

“Take as much time as you like, my dear.”  He then turned to the band.  “More music!”

Salome bowed and left the room, going into the kitchen, where her mother, Herodius, was giving orders to the servants concerning the food.  Herodius looked up, as Salome entered the kitchen.  “Well, daughter, did he like your dance?”

“Oh, yes, mother.  He liked it so much that he offered to give me anything I ask for up to half his kingdom.  Oh, mother, what should I ask for?”

At that moment, even above the music, a sound could be heard coming up from the dungeon, which was below the kitchen.  It was the voice of John the Baptist, crying out, “Repent! Repent!”

Herodius did not waste a moment in responding to Salome’s question.  “Ask him for the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.”

“But, Mother—”

“You asked me didn’t you?  Well, do hear that maniac bellowing down there?  The sooner we’re rid of him, the better it will be for all of us. Believe me daughter, it’s the best thing you could possibly ask for.”

“If you say so, mother.”

Herod was conversing with his friends when Salome returned.  She came up to him and bowed gracefully.

“Well, my dear, have you decided what it is you want from me?  Remember I said up to half my kingdom?”

“Oh, yes, your Majesty, I’ve decided.”

“Well then, will it be gold?”

“Oh no, your Majesty.”

“Jewels, then?”

“Neither gold nor jewels, your Majesty.”

The king was surprised.  “Neither gold nor jewels?  Then what?”

“Your Majesty, what I would like is,” she said softly as she leaned in close, “the head of John the Baptist on a silver platter.”

The king’s countenance grew pale.  He became quite for a moment and then exclaimed, “Well, of all the things to ask for!  Your mother put you up to asking for this, didn’t she?”

She shrugged. “What does it matter? I have made my request.  Either honor it or prove untrue to your word!”

The king was silent for a moment more.  He then clapped his hands for a servant and ordered him to summon the captain of the guard.  When the captain of the guard appeared, Herod gave the order.  “Take a few men and go to the dungeon.  Behead John and bring his head in on a silver platter.”

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AS HE SAT ALONE IN the damp dark dungeon, John began to pray.  “Almighty God, please forgive me for doubting that the one you sent is truly the promised Messiah. I never should have doubted, for I felt in my heart from the beginning that he was the one.  When I baptized him, I heard your voice affirming who he was.  It’s just that, I’ve been wondering why I was thrown into this dungeon and left here in this miserable place without any sign of deliverance. I realize that perhaps my ministry is at an end, as his is expanding.  You once showed me that I must decrease and he must increase.  But, dear lord, God, must I be left to live out my days in this miserable dungeon?  If my ministry here is finished, why don’t you take me home?  I’d rather die and be with you in eternity that to spend the rest of my days here.  Oh hear me, my lord, God.”

His thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of soldiers’ feet.  He thought, Perhaps they’re bringing another one of those terrible meals.  They opened his cell door and one of them drew out a sword while another spoke. “John, you are to die by means of beheading.”

“Ah!” He sighed.  “Thank you, LORD God.  You did hear me.  You answered me a lot quicker than I thought.”

“Any last words or requests?”

“Only the usual word– the word I wish to be remembered by– the word, ‘repent’!”

They started toward him to grab him, but he raised his hand.  “You won’t have to hold me. I shall lay down my head willingly.”

In the ballroom, the party was going on full blast.  The band was playing and some of the guests were dancing merrily, while others talked idly or told silly jokes, laughing loudly every once in a while.  All of a sudden a momentary hush fell on the entire crowd as, one by one, they caught sight of the captain of the guard bringing in the silver platter with the head of John the Baptist.  After a moment of silence, someone began to cheer, and others joined in, producing a gradually swelling chorus of cheers.  And as quickly as it went, the noise and laughter returned.  Soon everyone was laughing and talking happily–everyone, that is, except Herod.  The king sat silent and pensive.  His friends next to him tried to cheer him up, but to no avail.  Herodius, noticing her lover’s forlorn countenance, went over to him.  “My darling, whatever is the matter?  Don’t you realize that now we are forever free of that pest?  Never again will we have to listen to his rantings!”

“That’s true, my dear.”

“Well then, why are you looking so down in the mouth?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I did want to silence his voice.  But, not like that.  What if he really was a man of God?  We will have a lot to answer for on judgment day, won’t we?”

“Why, Herod! I never saw you so serious! —and at your birthday party!  Why concern ourselves now with judgment day?  If there is such a day coming, surely it’s a long way off.  We’ve plenty of time to make amends between now and then.  Come on dear, let’s forget it and be happy, shall we?  It’s your birthday. How about a smile from the birthday boy?  There!  Now, that’s better!  Now, shall we dance?”