Verse 19-20 This takes place after Jesus was baptized. Remember Herod the Great king died and left his territories to his sons to rule over. One of those sons was named Herod (you could call him Herod the second). This Herod was living in incest with his brother Philip’s wife. John the Baptist called Herod out on this incest while John was preaching to the people about Jesus. John also pointed out the many other evils which Herod had done (people who are wicked in one instance are commonly wicked in many other instances). Herod could not bear to be called out like this so he threw John the Baptist in jail.

John the Baptist will later be beheaded in jail. (Matthew 14) Herod wanted to kill him immediately but he feared what the people might do because they believed John was a prophet. (Matthew 14:5) So John sits in jail for a while.

Verse 21-22 We already read about this in Matthew 3:16-17

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being our example. Though you didn’t have to subject yourself to humanity and the law, You did on our behalf. You didn’t cut any corners but carried out what God the Father asked of His children. You proved every prophecy to be true. You fulfilled every law to show that this is the way to walk. You are our Truth, You are our way. Help me to walk in Your shadow, to walk in Truth. Give me the boldness to speak Truth and call out evil when I see it. Give me the confidence to not be afraid of what might happen if I say something about the evil I see. You, Jesus, are my comfort and protection. I have nothing to fear when I have You in me and looking out for me. You will make Truth prove itself true. You will guard me and guide me. Thank you, Jesus, that I always have You. In life and in death. In Jesus’ name, Amen.