Matthew 14

In Christian life, it is best to say "no" to what we want, and "yes" to what God wants

In the sermon on the mount, Matthew wants us to thing about who the king is in our life. Is it Jesus? Or do we take the throne ourselves?

At the start of Ch 14 look at king Herod. Here his guilt causes him to become nervous about Jesus' power.

Response to God's word

The king was supposed to lead the people in the right worship to God. The prophet was supposed to bring the king back to the Lord. John the Baptist was trying to bring Herod to reconciliation with God's way. Herod was to put his own needs aside and follow God.

While we might not think ourselves in the same league as Herod, in the sermon on the mount Jesus had just made it clear that the same sins are in all of our hearts.

The word of God should shape our lives and put right our desires so that they fit God's will. Christ should be king in all aspects of our life.

Response to sin

Herodias' response to her and Herod's sin being revealed was to shut down the voice that convicted them.

We should have a response of repentance. We are to accept our sin before God and turn away from it. John prepared the way for repentance, and Jesus brought forgiveness.

That repentance means putting Jesus once again as the king of our heart.