Why Herod?

“When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle.” Luke 23:8

Jesus never had any time for Herod. Herod was called the king but he really did not have any power. The only authority he had was given to him by Rome, but the Romans despised him. He had no backing from the Jewish leaders because they looked upon him as an impostor. He was not really a Jew.

Jesus was sent to Herod because Pilate didn’t want to make a decision concerning Jesus. When Pilate learned that Jesus was from Galilee he had Jesus sent to Herod who was the governor of Galilee. Pilate was hoping that that would be the end of his part in this mock trial.

Herod was delighted when Jesus came to him. He had often wanted to see Jesus but had never had the opportunity. Jesus had no use for Herod calling him that “old fox”. Herod wanted to see Jesus because he heard that Jesus could perform miracles. He was wishing that Jesus would perform a miracle for him. Maybe Jesus would turn water into wine or walk upon the water. Herod really didn’t care what miracle Jesus did as long as Jesus performed a miracle for him. Herod did not care about the message of Jesus or even the person of Jesus. He was only interested in being entertained by Jesus.

There are many people today who are like Herod. They are not interested in having their lives changed but they are interested in witnessing a miracle. These people love miracle healing services and they talk about how God healed them physically but they have never committed their lives to Him. Their interest in Jesus is like Herod’s interest. They will serve Jesus for what He will do and not for whom He is.

Jesus had nothing to say to Herod. He was willing to answer the High Priest or the Roman governor but He had nothing to say to Herod. Pilate was searching for the truth but Herod was only looking for pleasure. He was interested in Jesus if there was something in it for him. When Jesus did not perform a miracle he had no further interest in Jesus and sent Him back to Pilate.

Today there are many people who will serve Jesus for what they will get out of it. Jesus has called us to follow Him. He has not promised that we will be rewarded in this life for following Him. He has not promised that we will see miraculous deed performed. The only thing He has promised us is that He will be with us to the very end of the age. Why are you following Jesus?