The event is placed in a particular period

Herod had already met Jesus in this scene

Treat it as background noise unless it changes your plans

Share the news without thinking about its meaning

Assume you already know enough and move on

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I need your mercy. I turn from my sin and I believe you died for me and rose again. I confess you as my Lord and ask you to lead my life. Let me not only hear about you, but belong to you. Thank you for receiving me. Amen.

Receive Jesus for Yourself

Lord, wake your Church again to the news of Jesus. Where we have grown dull, make us attentive; where we have reduced him to background talk, restore awe; where we have hidden his name, make us speak it clearly. Let his reputation be seen in our worship, witness, and love, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Our Hearing of Jesus

Give thanks that news about Jesus does not stay hidden. Thank God that his name reaches rulers and ordinary people, that his story travels beyond one place, and that every faithful witness helps others hear of him.

Thanks for the Spread of Jesus' Name

Pray by naming one place where you have heard about Jesus recently, ask God to help you listen carefully rather than rush past it, then ask for one next step that helps you learn who Jesus is.

Pray to Listen Well

Pray for leaders, decision-makers, and influential people who hear about Jesus: that hearing would become honest attention, that curiosity would replace indifference, and that pride would not keep them from seeking him.

For Leaders Who Hear About Jesus

Lord, when I hear about Jesus, give me a ready heart. Keep me from dismissing what you are saying, and help me welcome the truth with humility, curiosity, and obedience. Teach me to value your Son above empty noise, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Me Responsive to Jesus

Ἐν{en###ehn###At} ἐκείνῳ{e-KEE-no###eh-KEE-noh###that} τῷ{TO###TOH###the} καιρῷ{ke-RO###keh-ROH###time} ἤκουσεν{EE-koo-sen###EE-koo-sehn###(He) heard} Ἡρῴδης{hee-RO-dees###hee-ROH-dees###Herod} ὁ{ho###hoh###the} τετραάρχης{te-tra-AR-khees###teh-trah-AR-khees###tetrarch} τὴν{TEEN###TEEN###the} ἀκοὴν{a-ko-EEN###ah-koh-EEN###fame of} Ἰησοῦ,{ee-ee-SOO###ee-ee-SOO###Jesus}

Matthew 14:1 — LiteralTAB

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