1. It Is Not Lawful Matthew 14:1-12
And when He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?” (Mt. 13:54).

2. Herod’s Fears Afraid of the Multitude
Matt. 14:5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.
Jn. 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
Jn. 5:33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth….35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

3. Herod’s Fears Afraid of John
Mk. 6:20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
Feared the truth he preached (Matt. 3:2; Lk. 3:1-3, 7-8).
Matt. 14:3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

4. Herod’s Fears Afraid of the People around him
Matt. 14:9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.
Afraid of Herodias (his wife)
Matt. 14:3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

5. Herod Did NOT Fear: Sinning Against God
Lust and Adultery (Matt. 14:3-4; Mk. 6:17-18)
Lustful revelry (Matt. 14:6-7; Mk. 6:21-23)
Murder (Matt. 14:8-10; Mk. 6:19, 27-28)
Making Rash Vows (Matt. 14:4-5)
Jas. 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

6. Herod Did NOT Fear: The Truth (Mk. 6:20; Matt. 13:14-15)
Ezek. 33:30 “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the LORD.’ 31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 32 Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.”

7. Herod Did NOT Fear: God (Matt. 14:1-5, 10)
Lk. 23:8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him…. 11 Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

8. Herod Feared Did Not Fear: The multitude John His party friends
Herodias
Did Not Fear:
Sinning against God
Lust & Adultery
Murder
Making rash vows
God
Luke 12:4 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
Jer. 1:8 Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you," says the LORD.

9. Beware of the Leaven of Herod:
Mk. 8:15 Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
By his conduct Herod taught:
Marriage is NOT for life (Matt. 19:4-6; Mk. 6:17-18; Rom. 7:2-3).
Worldliness is acceptable (Matt. 14:6; Mk. 6:22; 1 John 2:15-17; Rom. 13:11-14).
Political expediency overrides morality (John 11:49-50, 53; Mt. 27:22-24).