Mk 6:14-29
John the Baptist: Mark’s account of the death of John is a miniature passion account. In other words, it functions as a prophecy of what is going to happen to Jesus.
Herod not only fears Jesus but acknowledges his righteousness and holiness. Later, it will be Pilate who plays the same role when he must condemn Jesus to death. Likewise, just as Herodias harbors a grudge against John and seeks a way to put him to death, so the leaders of the Jews campaign for Jesus’ death.
After John’s beheading, his disciples take his body and lay it in a tomb. After Jesus’ crucifixion some well-disposed persons (not his disciples) take down his body and place it in a tomb. In this masterful way, Mark has prepared the reader for future scenes in his Gospel.