Today's Bible reading is the 6th chapter of the Book of Mark. You can read it here at Bible Gateway: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+6&version=NASB

While teaching in His home town of Nazareth, those who heard Him speaking in the Synagogue were astonished at His teaching. In their astonishment they posed three questions. "Where did this man get these things?" "What is this wisdom given to Him?"And what are "such miracles as these performed by His hands?" Their astonishment, at least in part, is because they think that they know who He is. He was a carpenter, they knew His parents and they knew His brothers and sisters. Although they knew Him in  humanity, the answer to their questions lie in His divinity. The things that He taught, the wisdom He demonstrated and the miracles He performed were attributed to His being the divine Son of God. And of that truth they had no knowledge. One can only truly rejoice in the person of Christ when they "know" Him. Oh, what a privilege it is, by God's grace, to know Jesus.  

Later on in the chapter Mark recalls the death of John the Baptist. It is a gruesome story and one that testifies to the sinfulness and depravity of men. You may remember that Herod had married his own brother's wife, Herodias. John had told Herod that his relationship with his brother's wife was unlawful. His boldness of speech had angered Herodias and we read that she held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. When the daughter of Herodias had danced for Herod at his birthday celebration, she had pleased him and his guests so much that he offered to give her whatever she asked of him. It was a most generous offer. She could ask for anything, up to half of his kingdom. This was truly a spectacular offer. Her choices would have been countless. But she would consult with her mother before asking. The grudge the Herodias held against John for speaking the truth would be her guide as she advised her daughter on what to ask of Herod. The text suggests there was no hesitation for Herodias to advise her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Equally as startling, there appears to be no hesitation in her daughter's response as she immediately comes to Herod with the request for John's head to be given her on a platter. Oh, the sinful depravity of men. Oh, what a great need for a savior. Oh, so great the cross of Christ!