Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SNAP (05/28/26)
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TITLE: The Voice He Would Not Hear | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marilyn Meiners
06/01/26 -
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“I wonder why he’s in such a hurry,” Herod mused.
Moments later, Jerod burst into the king’s quarters, breathless.
“King Herod,” Jerod began, trying to steady himself, “you’ll never guess what I just heard. There’s a man going around casting out demons, healing the sick, and preaching about a kingdom. He speaks just like John the Baptist did. You don’t think… John’s come back to life, do you?”
“What? No. Impossible.”
Or was it?
“Is it possible that John—the one I beheaded—has risen from the dead?” Herod whispered.
“Absurd. I remember that day. John said it was wrong to marry my brother Philip’s wife. What was so wrong with that, Jerod?”
Jerod only shrugged.
“Philip treated Herodias terribly. I was only trying to save her. How could that be unlawful? When did protecting a woman become a crime? It’s not my fault Herodias held a grudge against John. She’s the one who wanted him dead.”
Jerod raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
“I feared John,” Herod continued. “I wanted to protect him. He was a righteous and holy man. He said things that made me think… even when I didn’t agree with him. What was I supposed to do?”
Jerod opened his mouth to respond, but Herod cut him off again.
“I remember that day. It was my birthday. I threw a grand banquet. Remember, Jerod?”
Jerod nodded.
“All my nobles were there… military commanders, leading men of Galilee. The table was filled with the finest foods—exotic dishes from everywhere. And the wine…” Herod smiled faintly. “The best in all of Galilee. Did you enjoy it, Jerod?”
Jerod gave a small, uneasy smile.
“And then it happened. I had too much to drink. Herodias’ daughter began to dance. She was beautiful… graceful… captivating. The entire room watched in delight. And when I saw how pleased my guests were, it pleased me.”
Herod paused, his expression darkening.
“I wanted to reward her. I snapped my fingers together to get her attention. She came over, eyes full of charm, and said, ‘Yes, my lord, what do you desire?’”
“You are beautiful, my dear. Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you—even up to half my kingdom.’”
She said, ‘I’ll be right back. I must ask my mother.’”
I waited, and watched as Herodias looked at her daughter with cold eyes.
“Ask for John the Baptist’s head on a platter," she whispered.
Salome returned and made her request.
I closed my eyes briefly.
I was deeply distressed… but I’d given my word.
“I snapped my fingers again calling for my officer, whispering the command. He left… returning some time later carrying a silver platter. He gave it to the girl… and she gave it to her mother.”
Herod swallowed hard.
“Herodias stood there… pleased.”
Silence filled the room.
“Remember, Jerod?” Herod asked quietly. “Why didn’t you stop me?”
He shook his head.
“Oh, that’s right… I am a man of my word. But sometimes a man’s word… is the wrong word. And I was wrong.”
He turned away, staring into the distance.
“And now this Jesus… or John… is coming back to torment me.”
Jerod hesitated, then spoke softly.
“Perhaps… he is not coming to torment you, but to forgive you.”
Herod’s eyes flashed.
“Forgive? For what I’ve done? Never.”
The words came quickly,
He raised his fingers as if to snap again, then froze for just a moment. A flicker of unease passed over his face.
“No,” he said more firmly, as if convincing himself. “I did what I had to do. I am a man of my word.”
Fingers snapped, pointed - “Go! Now!”
Jerod bowed his head, then quietly left the room.
The door closed.
Silence settled in.
Herod turned back to the window, the street below felt different now—less ordinary, more threatening. Every shadow seemed to carry a memory he did not want to face.
“He cannot be John,” he muttered. “John is dead.”
But the words did not bring peace.
They only pushed the weight deeper down.
Days would pass. Reports would come. Rumors of Jesus would grow louder—miracles, teaching, crowds following Him wherever He went.
And somewhere in Herod’s mind, the old fear would return.
Fear would harden into decision.
And when the time came again for a voice of truth to stand before him…
Herod would not listen.
He would choose silence instead.
Story taken from Mark 6:14-28
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Your story may have been even more dramatic if you had given Jerod a clearer identity of who he was to King Herod such as his most trusted advisor or servant.
That said. I really liked your take on this well-known Bible story.