In this passage we see how the kingdoms and ways of the world clash against God’s Kingdom and ways. John is beheaded because he contrasted the current king with that of the coming Messiah. Jesus will be a very different type of ruler. The world tends to know and use violence in order to maintain power over others. God’s power is one that does not need to subjugate, but always breaks through the power tactics of this world. The question for us is, are we learning to walk in God’s ways, or are we becoming adept at using the world’s power in an attempt to bring about God’s kingdom? The age old question is, “What would Jesus do?”