Mark 6:14-16-- A Big Question

And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, "John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him." But others were saying, "He is Elijah." And others were saying, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, "John, whom I beheaded, has risen!"

The Herod during Jesus’ ministry was different than the Herod that tried to kill Jesus when he was an infant.  This Herod ruled primarily over Galilee, but did not rule over Samaria or Judea, which was ruled by an appointed Roman governor.  But Herod was seen to be a kind of “Judean King”, in that he was religiously dedicated to Yahweh.  Herod was concerned about Jesus, because of rumors that Jesus was simply John the Baptist risen from the dead (we will see why in the next section).  But the rumors of who Jesus was at this point were varied.  Most people connected him with a prophet of some sort—either Elijah returning (as Malachi said he would—Malachi 4:5-6), or John the Baptist (which made sense, since Jesus spoke of repentance, like John) or a type of prophet not seen for a long time.  But there was no general consensus about who Jesus was.

Some want to lessen Jesus' identity, as if it weren't important.  But for Jesus it was, and for all who knew of him.  This is why Jesus kept it such a mystery-- because what a person thought of him makes a big difference. 

If Jesus is a criminal, then he should be punished.

If Jesus is God, then he should be worshiped.

If Jesus is a prophet, then he should be listened to.

If Jesus is a teacher, then his opinion should be weighed.

If Jesus is a King, then he deserves fealty.

And who we are is partly determined by who we think Jesus is.