25. The Execution of John the Baptist (6:14-29)

In another Markan 'sandwich,' Mark tucks the story of the execution of John the Baptist into his description of the disciples' first mission. He does this to emphasize the principle that mission in the cause of Christ will inevitably draw resistance, hostility, and sometimes, martyrdom. For Mark's audience, those facing imperial persecution under Nero, the story of the death of the heroic prophet years earlier undoubtedly sparked renewed courage and stamina in the face of the intense and threatening reprisals of the insane ruler of the Roman world.