Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” Mark 8: 15
Jesus spoke on two different types of spirits that can affect the body of Christ. I wrote about the Leaven of Pharisees in the last two devotionals, and in this devotional I’ll share about the leaven of Herod.
In addressing the leaven of Herod, Jesus was speaking about political spirit. Political spirit is looking for power and position. Its strategy is to divide and conquer. It aligns itself with those in power and tries to eliminate those who seem threatening to its power base. Political spirit is partial and seeks out loyalty with those who are like-minded.
During Jesus’ ministry years, Herod Antipas, who was the son of Herod the Great, was in power. John the Baptist spoke out against Herod divorcing his first wife and marrying his brother’s wife (Herodias), so Herod Antipas imprisoned John the Baptist. Following a beautiful dance by Herodias’ daughter, Herod gave an open offer for anything she desired. Herodias manipulated her daughter and prompted her to ask for beheading of John the Baptist. Herod was obligated to follow through with his promise and gave orders for beheading of John the Baptist. (see Matthew 14:3-12).
John the Baptist was being perceived as a threat to Herod and to his unlawful marriage because John the Baptist called them to accountability. According to some records, Herod and his wife were seeking the title of king and queen. This was out of jealousy of Herod’s brother (King Agrippa) because he had this title. Herod and his wife were not successful in getting the title; they actually both thrown into prison due to the choices made in trying to get the title (according to Brittancia.com).
In the next devotional, I will continue with the subject of leaven of Herod (Political spirit) and how it manifests itself in today’s church.
