Man in fox costume

The Fox is Herod Antipas. Jesus says so. If you don’t believe me, look at Luke 13:32.[1]

But what does this arrogant, sensual, and power-hungry tyrant say?

Maybe we should ask first: what does The Prophet (John the Baptist) say to The Fox?

The Prophet—speaking as the mouthpiece of the Lord—says to The Fox: “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” (Mark 6:18)

What does The Fox say?

“Lock that man up in prison!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “I’m afraid of the crowd.” (Matthew 14:3-5)

What does The Fox say?

“I’m not letting that man out of prison!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “I’m afraid of this guy; it’s obvious he’s a man of God.” (Mark 6:20)

What does The Fox say?

“I want to hear what John says.” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “There’s no way I’m going to do what God tells me to do.” (Mark 6:20)

What does The Fox say?

“I can do whatever I want with my fantasies.” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “These desires are getting out of control.” (Mark 6:17-18; 22-23)

What does The Fox say?

“I’ve made a public promise; I will fulfill my promise. Bring me the head of John the Baptist on a platter!” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “What a stupid, rash oath I’ve uttered! But I’ll look weak if I don’t follow through.” (Mark 6:21-28)

What does The Fox say?

“Has John the Baptist come back from the dead?” What he’s probably thinking—but doesn’t say aloud is: “Oh no! I’m terrified of the spirit world; I don’t want to be tormented for all the evil things I’ve done!" (Mark 6:14-16)

What does The Fox say?

Forget about The Fox.

What does Jesus say? That is always the most important question.

What does Jesus say to The Fox on the final day of Jesus’ earthly life—at the moment when Jesus is brought before The Fox during the “trial” that will lead to his crucifixion? Absolutely nothing. Jesus is unwilling to speak a single word to The Fox (Luke 23:9). The Fox, who consciously, pompously, and repeatedly—despite his personal fears—spurns God’s command, receives nothing but silence on the day he comes face to face with the Son of God.

This post was intended to get us to think about what drives us. We live in a day when people’s primary drives are found in the domains of power, sensuality, fear, and the striving for self-actualization—like The Fox. Instead may our posture toward God’s truth be that of humility, purity, faith, and submission.

Notes

[1] Luke 13:31-32: Just at that time some Pharisees approached, saying to Him, “Go away, leave here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach my goal.’”