In Matthew 14:3-12 and Mark 6:14-29, the story of the beheading of John the Baptist is told. King Herod Antipas, who ruled over Galilee, had taken his brother's wife Herodias as his own. John the Baptist had publicly denounced Herod for this and called for him to repent.
Herodias, angered by John's words, wanted him dead but Herod was afraid to kill him because he was seen as a holy man by many. However, during a banquet, Herodias' daughter danced for Herod and his guests, and Herod was so pleased he promised to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, she asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter, and Herod reluctantly had him executed.
We have compiled a range of creative ideas and activities below that relate to this Bible story. These resources are designed to help you share this important message in an engaging and interactive way, whether you are a children's ministry leader, a Sunday school teacher, or a religious educator in a Christian primary school.
Our activities below are suitable for use in various settings such as church children's programs, children's ministry, catechism classes, children's services, Bible clubs, vacation Bible school, and Sunday school, and will help students understand the relevance of the Bible to their lives, and the importance of applying its teachings in practical ways.