Mark 6:14-16 14And King Herod heard, for his name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead and for that reason the powers are working in him.” 15But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets.” 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John whom I beheaded, this one has been raised.”
This verse begins with several vague references. First, what King Herod heard is not clearly stated but is assumed in the next clause. Second, whose name had become known is not clear; most translations will insert “Jesus” because he is the topic in the context. Mark connects the mission of Jesus and his disciples to the death of John at the beginning of verse 14. Mark shows John and Jesus as being closely connected in their ministry (1:14; 9:10-13; 11:27-30). In each passage, Jesus compares himself to John. To understand John and his message, it is necessary to understand Jesus and his message. This passage comes directly after the sending of the twelve and immediately before their return, therefore it is linked with discipleship and mission.
Mark, as the narrator, uses the method of flashback to catch the reader up with what had happened to John. The main purpose of this passage is to shed light on the identity of Jesus and not John. The similar ministries shared by John and Jesus suggest that they would also share similar fates. The statement in verses 14 and 16 about John rising from the dead becomes true about Jesus. Mark may have mentioned Herod’s fear of John’s resurrection from the dead as a prelude to what would happen to Jesus. Herod became scared when he heard of the miracles Jesus was doing. It is obvious his conscience had been bothering him since he had John executed.
Verse 15 prepares for Peter’s confession in 8:28. Jesus’ ministry could not be explained except as being prophetic like John’s. Verse 16 highlights Herod’s guilty conscience about putting John to death. His sin haunted him. We may think we can escape past sins, but unforgiven sins can haunt us our entire lives. Herod knew what he had done was wrong and feared that the ministry of Jesus would affect him somehow. He knew something unnatural was at work in Jesus’ life but would not come to the point of accepting Jesus as the Messiah. People may see and cannot deny the power of God at work but do not come to the point of accepting God. Often the problem is unconfessed sin and guilt, like for Herod.
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