Jesus Before Herod

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him.”
Luke 23:6–16
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Jesus Before Herod
Herod wanted a spectacle. We all want a song and dance. We like to be entertained. We like to be dazzled. Jesus comes not to dazzle, but to forgive. He was of no use to Herod. Jesus is of no use to our Old Adam. The world wants nothing to do with him. At best they will call him a prophet or a good man. Faith, on the other hand, calls him Lord. The New Man receives the gifts of Jesus cross. Faith wants nothing but Jesus. It insists on Jesus. White knuckled, it takes ahold of Jesus and his cross and won't let him go. This is the gift of the Spirit. However, when you reject the Spirit, when you throw him out and refuse to listen to the Word of God, faith cannot grow and the Old Adam reigns. Herod is unimpressed and gives him back to Pilate. The only sign Jesus gives is the sign of his Cross. Our faith can see it. Our faith grabs hold of it. Thanks be to God that he has sent his Spirit to us to bring us Jesus!