Mateus 14:12

Matthew’s notation that Jesus heard about John’s death unites John and Jesus against this political enemy. It also suggests that John’s disciples still had high regard for Jesus (cf. Matthew 11:2-6). As Herod had heard the news about Jesus (Matthew 14:1), now Jesus heard the news about John.

Herod’s testimony to the supernatural character of Jesus’ miracles is important in Matthew’s unfolding theme of people’s perceptions of the King. Likewise the forerunner’s unjust execution at the hands of hardhearted Roman officials foreshadows the fate of the King. [Note: Plummer, p. 201.] Matthew evidently recorded these verses to show how Roman political leaders viewed the King and His forerunner. Opposition against Him was intense, mainly for religious and moral reasons.

"Matthew so connected the ministries of these two men that what happened to one was viewed as having a direct effect on the other. Herod, by rejecting the King’s forerunner, was rejecting the King who followed him." [Note: Barbieri, p. 53.]