Beheading of John the Baptist

John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod Antipas for publicly condemning Herod’s marriage to Herodias, his brother’s former wife (Mark 6:18). Herodias harbored a grudge but Herod feared John, recognizing him as a righteous prophet.

At Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’s daughter (traditionally named Salome) danced and pleased Herod so greatly that he promised her anything up to half his kingdom. Prompted by her mother, she asked for John’s head on a platter. Though grieved, Herod had made the oath publicly and ordered the execution. John was beheaded in prison at Machaerus, and his head was brought to the girl, who gave it to her mother. John’s disciples buried his body and reported to Jesus.