Issue #183, June 15, 2016
We all love stories of victory and triumph, when truth wins and justice triumphs. But life and leadership do not always end this way, and John’s leadership certainly did not. His life ended with pain and suffering when Herod threw him into prison after John rebuked the king for his immorality. Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet. On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns (Matthew 14:3-13). John suffered more than the loss of his life. He was “bound” and experienced physical pain. He was separated from his closest friends and family. During his time in prison, he was painfully aware that he could no longer preach to the crowds. He could not experience the joy of baptizing people in response to his message. He suffered all of this because he had boldly spoken the truth to a king! We quickly applaud John’s courage for confronting wrong, but we are less comfortable with the suffering which followed. Yet John’s suffering was not in vain, and it teaches all servant leaders that suffering can have purpose.
Suffering refined his heart.
For John, the days in prison and physical suffering brought doubt (which we examined in the last issue) to the surface of his heart. Thankfully, he was able to express it and accept the answers from Jesus. During his days in prison he surely examined his motives for leadership and reflected on his call. One of the purposes of suffering is to reveal what is deep within us. Suffering, while painful, exposes what lies deep inside, hidden until the pain reveals it to us. When exposed, these heart issues can be healed. Servant leaders embrace the pain of suffering as their heart is refined.
Suffering complemented his message.
John’s message changed lives but his suffering also impacted the lives of others around him. When Jesus heard that John was imprisoned, he changed his own location (see Matthew 4:12). When John’s disciples came to bring his questions to Jesus, He took the occasion to change His message and talked about the role of John (see Matthew 11:7-19). When Jesus heard of the gruesome beheading, He withdrew to a quiet place for reflection. John’s disciples were also touched by his suffering as they ministered to his physical needs and delivered his messages. At his death, they came and lovingly carried his body away for burial. John teaches us that the way we go through suffering may impact others as much as our public message. As we allow suffering and pain to shape and change us, others are watching and learning. The message of servant leaders is completed in suffering.
Suffering completed his life purpose.
John knew that he was to be a messenger for the one who would come after him. He is the one who said of Jesus, “He must increase and I must decrease.” God used John’s voice for a season, but the time was finished. In this instance, it ended with what appears to be failure, yet John fully completed his calling. Servant leaders accept that when allowed by God, their suffering completes God’s purpose for their life.
John’s suffering with purpose teaches us that we can lead from prison as well as in public.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Why do we shrink from suffering and how does John’s life help us when faced with suffering?
- What does Philippians 1:29-30 teach about suffering and how is it different from what many teach about Christians and suffering?
- Reflect on how your own life has been impacted by suffering, either your own or watching others go through suffering. Think of physical, emotional, relational pain or loss. What lessons have you learned? Of what value was the pain you experienced? How did it refine your heart?
- Reflect on how the suffering of John touched the lives of his disciples and Jesus. What do you think Jesus did when he was alone after John’s beheading? Before he died, do you think John was aware of the impact his suffering had on others? Why or why not? What does this teach us about suffering?
- Reflect on how Jesus identifies with those who suffer from Hebrews 2:18, “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” How can this affect your view of suffering?