Tohn the Baptist's death ends the prophetic line in Jesus who is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. In the reading from Jeremiah we hear the final words of Yahweh's call to that prophet. The prophet is one who is set apart before birth for a divine purpose. Yahweh's promise to Jeremiah "I will deliver you from those to whom I send you to speak, have courage, you go with my guarantee of protection" is echoed in the Gospel. John is quite clearly a man of courage.

Mark's depiction of his death is a brilliant account of a man whose words and actions cause both fear and respect among those in authority. Through Herod's eyes we see that John is holy, filled with the Spirit of God. Herodias's intense hatred of John, her subsequent manipulation of her daughter, her desire and success in exacting revenge conspire to bring about his end. Mark records the event of John's death quite dispassionately.

The story celebrates the courage of a man who speaks God's word even when it costs him his life. John's death foreshadows Jesus's death.