King Herod [Antipas] heard about this, for Jesus’ name and reputation had become well known. People were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.”

Now [Salome] the daughter of Herodias came in and danced [for the men]. She pleased and beguiled Herod and his dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.”

And she rushed back to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter!”

The king was deeply grieved, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests [who might have regarded him as weak], he was unwilling to [break his word and] refuse her.

So the king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring back John’s head. And he went and had John beheaded in the prison,

Pilate questioned Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He replied to him, “It is as you say.”

Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to set free for you the King of the Jews?”

Again Pilate answered, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

and they began saluting and mocking Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!”

The inscription of the accusation against Him had been written [above Him]: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Let the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe and trust [in Him]!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.