In the sermon the preacher explores the story of Herod's troubled conscience, his rash oath, and the death of John the Baptist. Herod's conscience is pricked by Jesus' growing fame, recalling his guilt over John's execution. The narrative highlights Herodias' manipulation, leading to John's imprisonment and eventual beheading. The preacher contrasts the faithlessness of those who reject Jesus with Herod's superstitious fear, ultimately pointing to the foreshadowing of Jesus' own arrest, execution, and resurrection. The sermon underscores the importance of heeding one's conscience and the transformative power of repentance and forgiveness through Christ.