Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

Matthew 14:3-11

Following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on a college campus a couple of weeks ago, I heard a pastor I trust refer to Charlie as a Christian Martyr. While Kirk did proclaim the Gospel, much of his discussion these days related to the values of marriage and biblical sexuality, including opposition to transgender ideology. Mike Winger recorded a longer YouTube video on the entire subject. You can see it by clicking here.

During part of the podcast, he mentioned a comparison of sorts between Charlie Kirk and John the Baptist. Now, Charlie Kirk was no John the Baptist and it’s important to remember the words of Jesus regarding his forerunner.

“Among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Matthew 11:11

So, Winger’s point wasn’t to raise Kirk to the level of John the Baptist, but to point out the reason for each man’s death.

John the Baptist is known for his introduction of Jesus -““Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”(John 4:29) and for baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. John was the voice calling from the wilderness pointing others to the Messiah who would follow. John was known for his rugged appearance and his strong words, some today might say hateful words, when he addressed the religious leaders as a brood of vipers and calling them to repentance.

Yet, none of these acts or actions got John into trouble, until he called out the immoral relationship of the King with his brother’s wife. Then, Herod seized John and put him in prison and finally executed with his head served up on a silver platter as we read in the verses above.

From what we know of the circumstances of Kirk’s death now, the shooter was motivated about the hate speech of Kirk, especially regarding the moral issues of sexuality and transgenderism.

Part of living by faith involves being committed to the Truth and being willing to stand even when threats are present.