Off with His Head

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5.10 Heavenly Father, we come to you with hearts full of trust in Jesus our Savior. Your words remind us that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We thank you for the strength you give us to stand firm in our faith, even when we face trials. Help us to trust in your promises and to remain faithful, knowing that you are with us. When we face opposition for following Jesus, fill us with courage and peace. Let our lives reflect his love and truth, and may we always find refuge in your presence. In Jesus' name we pray. 00:00:55 Speaker 2: Amen. 00:00:57 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired by the book of Acts and the birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow so you never have to miss an episode. James trudged forward under the watchful eye of King Herod's soldiers. Their armor clanged with each forceful pull of the chains. James' bloodied hands twisted beneath his shackles. To the soldiers, his chains ensured he couldn't escape. But to James, they were a reminder that he would always be free. 00:01:43 Speaker 3: Great are you, O Lord, for even in man's chains... I will forever be set free by your grace. 00:01:53 Speaker 2: Quiet down, dog! 00:01:55 Speaker 1: The soldier behind the apostle blared at him, kicking him forward with his boot. With the Roman influence, Herod's men had mastered the art of torture, not just of the body, but of the mind. James stumbled, but had learned through experience that falling over did little to slow down their march. The only thing worse than walking in this current state was being dragged along the stone walkway. James could hear the ominous caw of vultures as their broad wingspans cast swirling shadows. The scavengers had learned the signs of when their next meal was coming. James and the soldiers marched toward a belligerent crowd. They encircled an open dirt patch. At the center stood a large wooden platform only a few inches high. A large wooden throne sat on the far end, where King Herod sat, wholly satisfied with the scene before him. The soldiers led James to the platform and forced him to take a stand. Once stable, James locked eyes with Herod. He was a confident king, to be sure. His recent persecutions of the people of the way had brought unwavering support from the Jews and Despite the believers' resilience, King Herod was doing his part to topple them over stone by stone. 00:03:24 Speaker 4: James, son of Zebedee, you are guilty of crimes against the Jews. Your penalty is death by sword. 00:03:34 Speaker 1: The crowd erupted in thunderous applause. The only sound James heard was the sliding of metal against metal as the soldier behind him drew his sword from its sheath. 00:03:48 Speaker 5: The apostles all knew it was coming. They all knew that it was only a matter of time before one or all of them faced the same fate that Jesus faced. But they did so with joy in their hearts. 00:03:59 Speaker 2: Yes, it was hard. 00:04:00 Speaker 5: Yes, it caused anguish and despair. But that despair always gave way to hope in the end. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. Today, we're rounding out our mini-series through the birth of the church. We're diving into a story inspired by Acts 12, verses 1-23. A passage that reads like an epic drama with villains, heroes, suspense, and a plot twist that would make Hollywood jealous. We're talking about kings who think they're gods, prisons that can't hold apostles, and a praying church that shakes the heavens. 00:04:30 Speaker 2: Let's go. 00:04:33 Speaker 1: John wept in the dining room, dragging his fingernails through the table. marks in the wood, pulled with blood from his mangled hands. John barely noticed the pain he was causing himself. The grieving brother released his inner turmoil. He pounded the table before pressing his palms hard against the surface. He leaned over the table and kicked his chair back against the wall. 00:05:01 Speaker 2: It's not fair! 00:05:02 Speaker 6: Saul went around murdering us and he's given a second chance? James never hurt a fly. 00:05:08 Speaker 1: Now he's... John's anger quickly turned to sobs of despondency. His forehead thudded in the puddle of blood as it mixed with his pouring tears. 00:05:19 Speaker 3: Why couldn't it have been me? 00:05:23 Speaker 6: I don't know what to do without him. 00:05:26 Speaker 2: It's always been James and John, sons of thunder. But now it feels like I'm a wisp of a cloud being burnt by the sun. 00:05:35 Speaker 1: Losing his brother was like losing a part of himself. The other apostles did their best to console him, but found themselves short on words. They knew that nothing they could say would bring James back. Instead, they flocked around him and cried. Sometimes the best thing to do for a mourning loved one is to mourn with them. Deep called to deep as the storm of John's emotions rocked his spirit's like a rickety vessel tossed at sea. But in time, the breakers would send him careening against the rock of ages. 00:06:16 Speaker 3: John, we know you are hurting, but we just want you to know we are here for you. And more importantly, the Lord is here with you. 00:06:29 Speaker 1: Peter couldn't help but feel awkward, trying to comfort his longtime friend. He knew he had no reason to, but in a way he felt guilty, offering consolation, knowing full well that his own brother was standing just on the other side of the room. Not wanting to press too hard, Peter took a step back from John and allowed others to fill the gap. Matthew stepped forward, his eyes reflecting a deep well of pain. He couldn't match John's sorrow, but he could remind him. of the home that lay within. 00:07:06 Speaker 6: John, say it with me. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. 00:07:13 Speaker 2: For theirs is. 00:07:15 Speaker 6: For theirs is. 00:07:16 Speaker 2: The kingdom of heaven. 00:07:19 Speaker 1: Back in his palace, King Herod dined with his trusted advisors. The martyrdom of James had given him another victory among the Jews, and he had no intention of losing traction in gaining their favor. His table was eloquently set with the finest delicacies. Roasted lamb with fig glaze, perfectly ripe fruit from his orchards, and baked bread from the country's purest flour. He stuffed his mouth with his dinner as his advisors stuffed his mind with plans for further persecution. of the people of the way. 00:07:55 Speaker 2: My lord, it appears you've won the hearts of the people. Yet our efforts are doing very little to slow down the followers of Jesus of Nazareth. They gain traction by the day. Even Saul of Tarsus has turned to them. Perhaps they need another stark reminder of your unmatched authority. At the very least, it's sure to earn you more praise from the people. 00:08:22 Speaker 1: Elias had served in Herod's courts for several years, devoting all of his margin to climbing the ranks. He had finally earned the right to tickle the king's ears, and from Herod's sly smile, he was doing a fine job. 00:08:37 Speaker 3: Oh, yes. A good thought, young. 00:08:43 Speaker 2: Elias, my lord. 00:08:46 Speaker 1: Elias bowed his head. not letting the king's ignorance bruise his pride. 00:08:51 Speaker 3: Yes, yes, Elias. 00:08:54 Speaker 4: It suits me to put your plan into action. What do you recommend as. 00:09:01 Speaker 3: The next steps? 00:09:02 Speaker 1: Elias did his best to remain dignified, though he wanted to dance through the streets as his professional aspirations. 00:09:10 Speaker 2: Came to life. It appears that one Peter of Galilee has become a foundational part of this little movement. I would recommend we seize him. Now would be the perfect time, as the festival of unleavened bread will undoubtedly have the city swarming with people. If we play our cards just right, the size of the audience at his trial will be unprecedented. Every Jew in the land will know your strong hand. 00:09:40 Speaker 1: King Herod remained absorbed in thought, strategizing his next move. His drunken, meandering thoughts faded in and out of a desire for bloodshed and political temperance. 00:09:54 Speaker 4: Elias, on the day of the festival, you will take... a small platoon of soldiers into the lower. 00:10:03 Speaker 3: Parts of the city. 00:10:04 Speaker 4: My men have scouted the area and have confirmed the whereabouts of the, uh, uh, what do they call themselves? 00:10:12 Speaker 2: Aposties? 00:10:14 Speaker 7: Apostles? 00:10:16 Speaker 3: Apostles! Apostles! Ha ha! 00:10:18 Speaker 4: I'll have a spy go out before you to confirm that Peter is among them. 00:10:25 Speaker 1: Elias was ecstatic at the opportunity. Little did he know, King Herod's move was calculated and tipped the scales in his favor. Should things go according to plan, Herod only bolstered his status further. But putting Elias at the front of the charge meant that should things go south, all the blame would be easily shifted to him. But the young man's vigor and vim provided him with the same kind of foresight. He greedily accepted the offer to lead the king's soldiers as visions of grandeur filled his head. Meanwhile, the apostles were busily preparing for the Passover meal, the long-awaited start of the festival of unleavened bread. The holiday had become bittersweet to many of the believers, but it was that same bittersweet taste that made its significance all the more greater. For the people of the way, Passover not only symbolized God's faithfulness to Israel during their flee from Egypt, but now it had become a reminder of the tender love of Christ. He was their Passover lamb that saved them. from the throes of death. While the rest of the apostles had gone to the marketplace for some forgotten ingredients, Peter and Andrew had convinced John to stay back and help them prepare the meal. They had hoped that some time alone would be a relief to John and his grieving. They thought that perhaps the sharing of memories and time with childhood friends would be therapeutic. 00:12:11 Speaker 8: John, can you pass me what's left of the cinnamon? We can have the rest when the others get back. I find the cheroset's flavor to be much more balanced when it's had time to sit. 00:12:22 Speaker 2: Oh, look at my brother, the chef. 00:12:25 Speaker 3: You know, John, when we were boys, Andrew didn't even know how to hold a knife right. Ema had to hold his hands the first time we helped prepare for Passover. 00:12:35 Speaker 1: John chuckled at the brothers as he reminisced about his home. His heart felt the sharp pangs of mourning intermingled with the warmth of nostalgia. A tear slipped around the corner of his smile. As they continued to cook, the friends could hear muffled voices outside. 00:12:56 Speaker 2: It sounds like the others are back. Hurry up with that cinnamon before Andrew goes mad. 00:13:01 Speaker 1: Suddenly, the door burst open, sending splinters into every corner of the room. Dust billowed into the small house, followed closely by four armored men carrying swords and shields. They stepped aside, creating a gap between them, through which a much younger man walked. Peter, Andrew, and John pivoted their feet back to run, but remained still when they realized there was nowhere to turn. Peter stepped in front of them, the biggest and burliest of them. He no longer lived by the sword, but he was by no means a coward. The leader of the group carried an air of naive arrogance as he entered. It hadn't taken long for him to grow comfortable with his newfound authority. 00:13:49 Speaker 2: On behalf of King Herod, we are looking for the man called Simon Bar-Jonah. You may know him as Peter. 00:13:58 Speaker 1: The apostles stared straight ahead, not wanting to give away Peter's identity. But Elias' cold stare directly at Peter indicated his question was more rhetorical. He knew exactly who. 00:14:11 Speaker 2: He was after. 00:14:12 Speaker 1: Andrew's instincts took control as he stepped forward, much to Elias' surprise. 00:14:18 Speaker 8: And what does King Herod want with Peter? 00:14:21 Speaker 1: Elias snarled at Andrew's boldness, but was determined to keep his appearance of absolute control over the situation. 00:14:28 Speaker 2: He is to be put on trial for threats to the crown and to the people of Israel. 00:14:35 Speaker 8: Threats against the crown? 00:14:37 Speaker 2: Are you mad? 00:14:38 Speaker 1: Andrew couldn't stand the thought of Peter's life being at risk again. After Peter had spent the night in prison with John, Andrew had been mortified by the thought of losing him. And now that John was living Andrew's worst nightmare, he was set on protecting Peter at all cost. 00:14:57 Speaker 2: The only one who is mad here is you. Now step aside so we can apprehend the accused. 00:15:04 Speaker 1: Peter took a large step forward with his arms stretched out in front of him. His face was resolute. He didn't dare look at Andrew for fear of breaking down. He knew that the safest option for his brother and the other believers was to go without quarreling. He had been through this before and trusted in the Lord's sovereignty. The soldiers strode forward in unison and promptly bound Peter's hands, cinching them tighter than was necessary for a man who wasn't fighting back. With a smirk, Elias turned his back to the stunned Andrew and John. Elias' eyes flickered with satisfaction as they marched out the door. He was already basking in the glory of his successful raid. When the others returned, Andrew and John explained what had happened. With heavy hearts, they began to earnestly pray to the only one who could save Peter now. Word quickly spread to the believers throughout the city, and in one harmonious voice, thousands of people throughout Jerusalem made petitions for the imprisoned apostle. The people would find comfort and strength in their God. Peter yawned as drips of water trickled down the wall of his cell. The cold, damp floor was playing its part in keeping him awake, but the rhythmic drops had fought hard to lull him to sleep with relative success. On either side of Peter sat two soldiers, They were chained to Peter, and by the sound of their steady breathing and slow dragging of chains against wood, they were fast asleep. Just then, piercing the darkness, a bright light appeared. The radiance burned behind Peter, rousing him from his half-sleep state. Peter rolled over and covered his eyes with his arm. He closed his eyes tighter, but was startled by a kick in his side. Worried he had awakened the guards, and with them, their anger, he sat up abruptly. But to his surprise, the two men were still sound asleep. Then, someone shouted from outside the cell door. 00:17:27 Speaker 2: Quickly, get up. 00:17:30 Speaker 1: In alarm, Peter pushed himself to his feet. As he wheeled around to find the source of the voice, he felt his shackles loosen from around his wrists. Looking down, the pins had cracked apart. He shook them to the ground with a loud clang. The cell door swiveled open slowly with a whine. Peter waited for guards to come in, but the doorway remained empty. He heard the voice again, coming from the direction of the light that had awoken him outside the cell. 00:18:01 Speaker 2: Put on your clothes and sandals. 00:18:04 Speaker 1: Without thinking, Peter obeyed the command. He quickly dressed and stepped out of his cell. Before him stood a man in white robes Peter looked at him, then at the sleeping guards. Peter wondered if he should be afraid. But of whom? He couldn't say. But before he could decide, he was given another command. 00:18:27 Speaker 2: Do not worry about them. They won't stir. Quickly, wrap your cloak around yourself and follow me. 00:18:35 Speaker 1: Peter followed the man, wondering if he was still asleep and caught in a dream. Whether it was real or a figment of his imagination, Peter figured anything was better than another night on the dirty floor of his cell. He pulled his cloak tightly around his face and followed the man. Peter felt like time had frozen. They walked past the two outer guards and seemed to be bothered from their deep slumber, despite the commotion Peter and the angel were causing. The angel led Peter out of the prison corridors. straight to the immense iron gates that led into the city. Peter marveled when the angel waved his hand and the gates opened in obedience. 00:19:20 Speaker 2: This way. Hurry now. We're almost out. 00:19:23 Speaker 1: The angel moved with ease. Though he walked like any other man, his elegant motion made it seem like he was floating through the air. Peter struggled to keep up. Halfway down a street, Peter raised his arm to ask his rescuer to wait. But before he could say anything, the man disappeared. Peter stopped abruptly. He looked around but could find no trace of the man. Peter smiled, feeling silly that it had taken him so long to realize what had happened. 00:19:56 Speaker 3: Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has done it again. He sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen. 00:20:07 Speaker 2: Praise you. 00:20:09 Speaker 1: Peter glanced up and down the empty street. He knew it wouldn't be long before the guards learned of his escape. He had to devise a plan. He recognized a few shops and remembered he was near the house of one of the believers. 00:20:24 Speaker 3: If I head north from here, it should take me to John Mark's mother's house. I can lay low there until morning breaks. 00:20:32 Speaker 1: Under the cover of night, Peter made his way to the house. When he arrived, He saw the light trickling out of the door's cracks. He pulled his cloak down around his shoulders and knocked softly. He waited a few minutes and knocked again. He heard shuffling inside and saw the shadow of two feet stopping on the other side of the door. 00:20:54 Speaker 3: Rhoda, is that you? I'm sorry to intrude in the middle of the night. It's just your master's house was closest and I thought. 00:21:03 Speaker 7: My word, Peter, is that you? No. Oh, praise Adonai, you're safe. The others won't believe it. They've been up praying all night. 00:21:14 Speaker 1: Peter heard the servant's footsteps race away. He knocked again, but there was no response. Rhonda ran to the largest room of the house, where others were gathered in incessant prayers. Without hesitation, the servant interrupted them. 00:21:30 Speaker 7: Peter is here. He's right outside the door. 00:21:33 Speaker 6: Rhoda, please, this isn't funny. Now come, join us again. 00:21:37 Speaker 7: I'm not joking. He's really here. 00:21:41 Speaker 6: Please don't take offense to this, but I think you're tired. I mean, we all are. Why don't you close your eyes for a bit and then you can pray with us in the morning. 00:21:50 Speaker 1: The man was trying to be as tender as possible, but Rhonda pressed on. 00:21:56 Speaker 7: You don't understand. He really is here. 00:21:59 Speaker 6: And did you see, Peter? 00:22:01 Speaker 5: What? Well, technically, no. 00:22:05 Speaker 7: But I heard him. I know it's his voice. 00:22:08 Speaker 6: Perhaps what you were hearing was his angel. Peter's in prison, and there's no escape from Harrod's ironclad grips. 00:22:16 Speaker 1: Peter could hear snippets of the conversation. He pressed his head against the door with a laugh. He had to admit everything Rhonda was saying sounded absurd. He knocked hard against the door, hoping to rescue the poor girl from appearing mad. 00:22:32 Speaker 7: Listen. Do you not hear that knocking? When was the last time you had an angel knock at your door, hmm? 00:22:38 Speaker 1: The others in the room sat motionless, with ears perked. For the first time, they could hear the knocking. They clambered to their feet and hurried to the door. Peter heard the latch click and stepped back just as the door flung open. The group stared in amazement, wondering if their eyes were deceiving them. Peter held up his arms and as though to prove he was indeed with them. The believers ran outside and embraced Peter with excited shouts. Peter laughed at the gaggle. 00:23:11 Speaker 3: Shh, unless you want the whole of Jerusalem to know where I am. 00:23:18 Speaker 1: Everyone sat at the table and listened with fascination as Peter shared about his midnight escape with the angel. Everyone could hardly believe it, but the evidence showed was undeniable. Come morning, Herod and his guards would have their own problems on their hands. But as for the people of God, they would have a story that would resonate throughout history. God's Spirit was moving with unstoppable might, and the name of Jesus would continue to spread to every corner of the world. 00:24:05 Speaker 5: Our story begins with Herod Agrippa I, a king who cared more about his approval ratings than justice or righteousness. Seeing that persecuting Christians pleased the people, he had James, the brother of John, executed. This was the first apostle to be killed. But Herod wasn't satisfied. He arrested Peter, intending to make a public spectacle of his trial after the Passover. Isn't it interesting how things never change? Leaders still pander to the masses, often at the expense of truth and morality. Herod's actions were driven by politics, not principles. But here's the kicker. Earthly power is no match for divine purpose. Peter's in prison, guarded by 16 soldiers. Herod wasn't taking any chances after Peter's previous jailbreak in Acts chapter 5. But what is Peter doing on what would be the eve of his execution? He's sleeping. Not pacing, not plotting an escape. Sleeping so soundly that an angel has to whack him on the side to wake him up. Talk about a Talk about peace that surpasses all understanding. Just like Jesus slept on a boat in the midst of a storm, Peter's sleeping in a prison cell as he awaits his trial and execution. Peter's trust in God was so profound that the chains and the guards didn't faze him at all. It challenges us to consider, how do we respond when we're imprisoned by our circumstances? Do we panic or do we rest in God's sovereignty? Meanwhile, the church was earnestly praying for Peter. The original Greek implies intense, fervent prayer, stretching themselves out before God. They didn't have political influence, wealth, or weapons. All they had was prayer, and they wielded it mightily. Here's where it gets amusing. Despite their earnest prayers, when Peter shows up at the door, they don't actually believe it's him. Rhoda, the servant girl, is so excited that she forgets to even open the door. She opens the door, hears that it's Peter, and then goes to run and tell everybody, not even thinking to let him in. The others think she's out of her mind or that Peter might be an angel. It seems even the early church had moments of doubt. Yes, they were praying for his safety. They were praying for him to be freed. But when it actually happened, it was really hard to believe. And that should tell you about the humanity of prayer, shouldn't it? We pray for these things earnestly. We pray them in trust that God's going to do what he says he's going to do. But that doesn't make miracles any less surprising to us. You see, they were praying for a miracle, but were surprised when it happened. It's humorous yet humbling reminder that sometimes we pray without fully expecting God to answer. 00:26:31 Speaker 1: Now back to Peter. 00:26:32 Speaker 5: The angel led him past the guards. They led him through the gates and into the city streets. Only then does Peter realize that it's not a vision. 00:26:41 Speaker 2: It's real. 00:26:42 Speaker 5: God had delivered him from Herod's clutches. On the flip side, Herod faces a different fate. After Peter's escape, Herod is furious and has the guards executed. Later, during a public address, the people shout, This is the voice of God, not of a man. And instead of correcting them, Herod revels in the undulation. Immediately, an angel strikes him down and he dies a gruesome death. You see, Peter's deliverance and Herod's gruesome death are actually images of the future of someone who is working against the kingdom of God and someone who's working for the kingdom of God. It's actually an image and a metaphor for their eternities. Pride comes before the fall, doesn't it? Herod's demise contrasts sharply with Peter's deliverance. One man's arrogance leads to his downfall, while the other man's humility leads to his salvation. Acts 12 reminds us that while believers may face persecution, God's mission is unshackled and unstoppable. Jesus is greater than any circumstance you find yourself in, which leads me to introduce our next mini-series after this one. And that is a series called Jesus the Greater. We are going to be showing how Jesus is greater than any other character in Scripture. Jesus is greater than Joshua. The walls that he topples down are greater than the walls that Joshua faced. Jesus is the greater Adam. Where Adam gave in to temptation, Jesus didn't falter. We are going to be taking the next month to really showcase the greatness of Jesus by highlighting Old Testament stories, New Testament stories, and binding them all together in perfect synergy. I can't wait for you to join us.