Monday, March 27th

Herod the King

When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort.

Luke 23:8

Read Luke 23:6-12

The name “Herod” is not a personal name, but a family name. Therefore, history records many Herods, all of whom were royalty in the Roman government. During Jesus’ lifetime, Herod Antipast was tetrarch over Galilee and Perea. He was a sly and ambitious ruler, referred to by Jesus as a “fox” (Luke 13:32). Because Jesus was also from Galilee, Pilate thought he could dismiss this confusing matter to Herod’s jurisdiction. Fortunately, Herod was in Jerusalem at one of his city palaces, so Pilate sent the whole group consisting of the prisoner, the priests, the soldiers, and the increasing crowd of spectators to Herod.

Like a child looking forward to Christmas morning, Herod was tickled to death that he was really going to meet the man who reportedly had miraculously fed thousands, healed hundreds, and claimed to be the Son of God. With great anticipation, the ruler of Galilee gathered his entourage to give them an entertaining show they would never forget. Good entertainment was hard to find in those days!

But Jesus would not perform. No miracles. No signs. No wonders. Jesus said nothing. Herod, therefore, in resentment made a joke of it. Placing a kingly robe on the prisoner to mock him, he sent Jesus back to Pilate.

Something to think about

1. Why didn’t Jesus do any miracles for Herod?

2. What was the result of this meeting for Pilate and Herod?

3. How many miracles are necessary for faith?