Death of John the Baptist

Bible text: Mark 6:14-29

Characters: John, Herod, Herodias, soldiers, important men, damsel, captains.

Properties: Scene I: Throne chairs for Herod and Herodias.

Scene II: Banquet table for the king and his men, a platter with napkin, or cloth covering something to represent the head of John.

Scene I

(Herod and Herodias are seated. John enters, bowing. Soldier is standing near.)

John: King Herod, let thy servant speak. This woman is your brother Philip’s wife. He is still living and it is not lawful for you to have her.

Herodias: My husband, do not allow this man to talk this way. He should be killed.

Herod: No, I cannot do that, but soldier, bind him and put him into prison.

(Soldier takes John by the arm, and both leave.)

Scene II

(Herod and men are seated around the banquet table. Soldiers are standing around.)

Herod: Captains, Lords, gentlemen, welcome to my birthday dinner. Let’s eat, drink, and be merry.

One man: A toast to our King.

All: Long live the King!

Herod: We have a surprise, Salome is going to dance for us. (Enter damsel, who glides around two or three times.)

Herod: I am very pleased with you, my dear damsel. Ask anything you wish and whatever it is I’ll give it to you.

Damsel: Please, oh, King, I must think about this important decision. Let me talk with my mother.

Herod: As you wish, my dear.

(Damsel leaves)

One Captain: She has entertained us well. She should receive a fine reward.

(Damsel comes back, bowing before the king.)

Herod: And now what does the maiden wish?

Damsel: Oh, King, if you will, I desire the head of John the Baptist on a platter.

Herod: (Putting his head in his hands.) This makes me very sad for I like John, but for the sake of my promise, I must grant your wish. (Turning to soldier.) Go and do as the damsel asks.

(Soldier leaves, returning after a pause with platter and head on it, covered.)

Damsel: Thank you. I will take it to my mother.

End