July 6, 2024
Missional Flashback
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some] said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’s daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

I. Missional movement

II Fearful flashback

Emotional response to truth isn’t enough.
God calls for repentance and commitment.

III. Reflecting failure

Next Steps

• I turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to go on mission and proclaim the Gospel in hard places.
• I confess to unrepentant sin that haunts me.

Deep Dive

1. John boldly confronted Herod’s sin (Mark 6:18). What are some ways we can speak truth with grace today, especially when it’s unpopular or risky?
2. How can we discern if our emotional response to God’s Word (like Herod’s perplexed interest) is genuine or superficial? What does true repentance look like?
3. How can unrepentant sin impact our relationship with God and with others?

Springboards

1. What needs in your life do you think Jesus already sees, even if you haven’t voiced them aloud?
2. Have you ever experienced a time when Jesus provided for you in a way that exceeded your expectations? What did that teach you about His character?
3. In moments of need, do you tend to trust Jesus fully, or do you try to handle things on your own first? Why?
4. What keeps people from believing that Jesus can satisfy them completely? What steps can you take to trust Him more deeply?