The Politicking Behind John's Beheading

T

itus Flavius Josephus, was a first-century Romano-Jewish historian. Josephus, known for chronicling Jewish history with a focus on the first century CE, provides us with a unique perspective that complements our understanding of John the Baptist from the Gospels.

Josephus himself lived through tumultuous times. He was a commander of Jewish forces during the siege of Yodfat, and after being captured by the Romans, he avoided death by reneging on a suicide pact with his compatriots. His life was spared by the Romans, who later granted him freedom and Roman citizenship. After the Fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Josephus lived as a dignitary and scholar in the emperor's palace. To his fellow Jews, however, he was often viewed as a traitor, a man who had turned his back on his people.

Josephus’ writings, particularly in The Antiquities of the Jews, are invaluable to us today because they offer a historical account that intersects with the sacred narratives of the New Testament. In Book 18, Chapter 5, Josephus refers to the imprisonment and death of John the Baptist. Scholars widely regard this reference as authentic, noting that while there are differences between Josephus' account and the Gospel narratives, these differences strengthen the credibility of Josephus’ writings as free from later Christian interpolations.

Secondly, we ask another historical question, How did John the Baptist die and why? We are commemorating this today.

We go back to Josephus’s account of John the Baptist because this historian brings a more political perspective to John’s martyrdom. We know from the gospels John is hailed as the forerunner of Jesus. He is the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. There is more! According to Josephus, John’s influence was so great that Herod Antipas, a son of Herod the Great, feared he might incite a rebellion. Herod’s concern was not merely for religious reasons but was deeply rooted in the political instability of the time. John was a man who attracted hundreds, perhaps thousands, of followers. His message of repentance and the coming of the Messiah resounded so powerfully with the people, and Herod saw him as a threat to his rule.

This political fear led to John’s imprisonment and eventual execution at the palace fortress of Machaerus, near the Dead Sea. While the Gospels recount that John’s beheading was the result of a vengeful request by Herodias’ daughter, Josephus’ account suggests that Herod’s decision was driven more by political convenience than by personal vengeance. Interestingly, Josephus gives us the name of Herodias’ daughter, Salome. In the Gospels the girl is nameless. This does not only add another layer of historical depth to the narrative but it tells us that Josephus was really an insider who worked as an imperial official inside the court.

Finally, John the Baptist’s life was one of profound humility and dedication to his mission. Despite his growing influence, he made it clear that he was not the Messiah. “One who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to carry his sandals,” he proclaimed (Mt 3:11). John’s humility and focus on his purpose serve as a model for us all. His austere lifestyle, symbolized by his diet of locusts and wild honey (Mt 3:4), was not merely an ascetic choice but a reflection of his deep commitment to the teachings he preached. He called for sharing with those in need, reminding us of the importance of living a life of service and sacrifice (Lk 3:11).

As we contemplate the life of John the Baptist, we are also drawn to the parallels between his fate and that of Jesus. Both men fell victim to the political and social pressures of their time. In the case of Jesus, we see a similar pattern of buck-passing and evasion of responsibility. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, despite recognizing Jesus’ innocence, ultimately handed him over to be crucified, a decision influenced by the political complexities of his position.

Pilate’s decision, like that of Herod with John the Baptist, was a tragic example of the consequences of political convenience. It serves as a reminder of the challenges that come when justice is compromised for the sake of maintaining power or avoiding conflict.

In closing, the life and martyrdom of John the Baptist challenge us to reflect on our own lives. Are we, like John, willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it may bring us into conflict with the world around us? Are we prepared to speak the truth, even at great personal cost? And are we living lives of humility and service, always pointing others to Christ, the one who is greater than all? May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to live with integrity, courage, and deep devotion to our calling as followers of Christ. Amen. Fr JM Manzano SJ