ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reflects on Matthew 14:1–12, where Herod’s fear of losing face leads him to order John the Baptist’s execution. The story prompts a difficult but honest discussion about how protecting one’s image can undermine integrity, and how faith does not guarantee rescue from suffering. Drawing on his own experience with cancer, Dr. Miller emphasizes that people facing grief often need compassionate presence more than easy explanations. He points to John’s disciples—who cared for his body and told Jesus—as an example of carrying loss to someone who understands, and invites listeners to share a loss with Jesus and someone they trust.
Key takeaways
- Fear of losing face can lead to terrible choices. Herod prioritizes his reputation with his guests over John’s life
- Protecting an image can come at the cost of integrity. Dr. Miller asks listeners to consider where they may be holding onto a position or promise simply to avoid looking foolish.
- Faithful people still experience suffering. John’s story offers no miraculous rescue, and the episode does not gloss over that reality
- Presence can matter more than explanations. Dr. Miller reflects that support during hardship comes from people who stay with us, rather than relying on pithy answers about why suffering happens.
- Grief deserves care and expression. John’s disciples bury him with reverence and report what happened to Jesus—a way of bringing their grief to someone who understands.
- Action step: Name a loss you’re carrying, tell Jesus about it, and share it with someone you trust—without trying to explain or fix it first.
Links referenced in this episode:
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
