Luke 23:6-9 6And when Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that was under the authority of Herod, he sent him to Herod, who was himself also in Jerusalem at those days. 8And when Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for was wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9So he asked him many questions, but he did not answer him.
What caught Pilate’s attention was the word Galilee. When he heard that Jesus was from Galilee, he sent Jesus to see Herod, who was also in town. Herod Antipas was one of Herod the Great’s sons and was given charge of the area of Galilee and Perea. He ruled from 4 BC – AD 39 and is mentioned many times in the New Testament. This was the Herod who beheaded John the Baptist. Herod would have been under the jurisdiction of Pilate, so it seems odd that Pilate sent Jesus to a lower ranked person.
Pilate’s motive in sending Jesus to Herod is not stated. These verses make it appear that Pilate was looking for any excuse to move on and avoid any trouble, like sweeping the dirt under the carpet instead of outside. Herod may have gone to Jerusalem at that time for similar reasons as Pilate. It was one of the holiest times for Jews, and having the political powers around would show some political association or interest and also ensure no trouble would result. With these leaders always went soldiers, who would be adept at keeping the peace. They need not worry about Jesus creating a civil war because he was the Prince of Peace.
The death of John the Baptist may have bothered Herod, as hinted at in 9:7-9. Jesus was even greater than John. Herod evidently had heard about Jesus’ miracles. Herod’s interest in Jesus is unclear. Did he just want a show, only curiosity, or was there a hint of faith? Jesus’ lack of response to Herod’s questioning suggests that Herod was only doing this for show as he did with John. Jesus could be just another form of entertainment. Jesus refused to answer someone who was not a genuine seeker but only trying to trap or use him. His response to Herod was similar to his reaction to the Sanhedrin. Sometimes silence speaks louder than self-defense or placating the questioner. Jesus again fulfilled Isaiah 53:7. People come to Jesus for many reasons and motives. The Jewish and Roman leaders came with the wrong motives and so received no miracle or revelation. Those who come to Jesus in faith will experience the miracle of a transformed life.
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