THE HERODIAN FAMILY WAS TRAGIC- WITH GREATEST OPPORTUNITY, THEY ALL ENDED IN A HORRIBLE WAY

1. Even a weak, sinful man has something decent; but this one lost it all during one party
2. Psychologists would call this a trigger situation that put him over the threshold of temptation
3. When Herod played with a sinful situation, it caused him to commit the most terrible sin of a long sinful life and this one sealed his doom!  Down in history as wicked! 

1.- THE DANCE OF SALOME- Mark 6:21-

Rome ruled Palestine, and the Herodian family was appointed as King -under authority of Rome

A.- HERE IS THE HISTORY OF A WICKED MAN, OF A GREAT WICKED FAMILY, AND HIS MOMENT OF INFAMY!

1. Herod the Great had 5 wives- son Phillip married his Niece- Herodias, had Salome -no throne-
2. Antipas left his wife- slipped Herodias & Salome out of his brother's home & married Herodias
3. Some accepted it- but v18- John the Baptist was outspoken and got put in prison for speaking out

B.- THE DANCE OF SALOME WAS BUT ONE SMALL STEP IN THE LIFE OF A WICKED AND SINFUL MAN!

1. Herod had a great birthday party - different customs from today- but many leaders there- 21
2. The many sins of the feast came into focus when Salome danced- (mild today) -v.22 -lustful
3. Herod became so excited that he offered her anything she would ask- up to half his kingdom 22b,23

C.- THE DANCE OF SALOME MADE HIM LOSE CONTROL OF HIMSELF.  WHAT MAKES PEOPLE LOSE CONTROL TODAY?

Each of these often start just as teasing, playing- but the open the door to worse things

II. THE COST OF THE DANCE OF SALOME  V. 24-28

Salomon warned in his Song- It is the little foxes that spoil the vines and terrible results

A.- THE REQUEST OF SALOME WENT FAR BEYOND A FAVOR FOR A FAVOR - THE AWFUL REQUEST - WICKED

1. Salome was not wicked enough- she asked her mother- Herodias with vengeful hate- v.24
2. For all of his faults- Herod v.20 -feared John, observed him, heard him, gladly did things-
3. But Herodias was so full of hate- she would have killed John v.19, but now an opportunity

B.-THE NAME OF HEROD IS KNOWN BY HIS AWFUL DEED THIS NIGHT BECAUSE OF A GIRL'S DANCE!

1. As sorry as the King was- v.26- he sent and had John murdered - rather a murderer than liar.
2. Can you imagine the Head of John the Baptist brought into dining hall- on a food platter!
3. The price of that little dance broke up the party! - A night to live in infamy!  Innocent dance?

C.- THERE IS NO WAY TO MEASURE AHEAD OF TIME THE AWFUL PRICE OF YOUR OWN "DANCE OF SALOME" !

1. The sexual tease of a dance- or parking - Grad party- can leave scars for life or death!
2. The first taste of alcohol, tobacco, drugs- in a daring moment of "fun" runs amuck!- Or later
3. The fun of mocking the Pastor, Parents, Police can lead to sudden destruction - agony

Scotty Wallace- "Six Months Of Death" - 2 carloads of drinking teenagers met north of town!

III.- THE COST TO HEROD OF THAT DANCE

John the Baptist was killed but he got off easy in comparison to Herod.  He lost his soul!

A.- THE FAMILY OF HEROD DID SOME WONDERFUL THINGS, BUT THEY ARE REMEMBERED AS INFAMOUS!

1. Because of his excesses, wickedness and sin- He and Herodias were exiled, died in France!
2. Salome, the granddaughter of Simeon the "High Priest" went through two marriages- heartache
3. The last of the Herodian line died in the Flames of Pompeii... A study in tragedy for a family

B.- SINS NO WORSE THAN THE "DANCE OF SALOME" CAUSE MUCH HEARTACHE AND SORROW TODAY!

1. We have had some rough ones even in our church- most of the suffering is in secret!-hurts!
2. I remember one housewife's sin- a bottle!- lost her husband, children, health, and LIFE!
3. I have seen young people full of rebelliousness destroy the beauty & hope of youth!  Forever.

C.- THE COST OF SIN NEEDS TO BE STOPPED BEFORE THE DANCE, STOPPED AT THE DOOR - Heb 12:1

1. The little cute sins- are not worth the cost of the monsters they turn loose!
2. If you have been guilty- repent, confess, slay the sin before it grows into a nightmare!
3. Every "little sin" keeps you away from the royal banquet of the Lord and His Love!-

Satan has his special trap for you, and unless you are sharp- you too will lose your head

YOUR LIFE IS AHEAD OF YOU, AND YOURS IS THE POWER TO CHOOSE, MAKE SURE YOU DO SO WISELY

1. When Herod saw Jesus- Jesus would not even speak to him!- Luke 23:9 -Come to Jesus before it is too late! - Maybe your only chance; more temptation today than then.-
2. Any chance of some sin leading you away from the Joy of the Lord- beware!-