The news of what Jesus was doing reached even the ruler of Galilee, Herod Antipas. Mark records Herod’s superstitious reaction to what he heard, which then lead on to the grim story of how John the Baptist had met his death. Speculation and rumor about Jesus was rife; some said he was a prophet, some said he was Elijah returned to the world and others said John the Baptist had returned. It was this last rumour which alarmed Herod because he had killed John.

What had happened to John pointed to what would happen to Jesus.

There are unpleasant similarities between Herod and Pilate. But the message comes through to the reader that John had completed his work as the herald of the Kingdom before he died a martyr's death. He had aroused his fellow men to be prepared for the arrival of the Messianic age. He had been faithful right to the time of his death, witnessing without fear even to the ruler of the land (6 :20). This story had a clear message for those facing persecution. It still has a message for the Church today. 'The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church'.