Mark 6:18-20 NLT

John had been telling Herod, 

"It is against God's law for you to marry your brother's wife."

So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod's approval she was powerless, for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.

Mark 6:18-20 NLT

John's life was all about pointing to Jesus.

Here at the end of his life, the Empire has him killed. 

For telling the truth.

Herod appreciated John, just as Pilate appreciated Jesus. 

Yet neither Herod or Pilate was prepared to give up anything to save people they saw as good.

John points us to Jesus, who gave up everything to save. 

To save us. 

People who reject him, forget him, lose sight of him, drift away, wander back, seek restoration, question, challenge, get angry at, wonder about, give up on, and yet Jesus loves us. 

He Is Love.

Love is the opposite of Empire.

Love gives up its power and meets us in our need.

Love steps towards.

We are, in fact, Beloved.

#gospelofMark #GoodNews 

#invitation 

#weareinaBigStory 

#weareBeloved