Exodus 6-8; Luke 23

Luke 23:8-11

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate.

Herod started off glad to see Jesus but ends up showing contempt and mocking Jesus. Just like many who sought to see Jesus, Herod had heard of the miracles. Was there anything wrong with hoping to see one? Wouldn't we all like to see a miracle? Is that a bad thing? I wonder what were the questions Herod asked. And why didn't Jesus even open His mouth to say something that might change Herod's heart? Herod must not have seen Jesus as a threat to his own power or position or even as somebody who could help enhance his influence. Otherwise he would have had some fear and second thoughts about treating Jesus the way he did.

Herod is like a lot of people. Jesus is right there in front of them. Sure He might be an interesting charachter. But if it seems He can't do anything for them, what good is He? They are listening to all the other voices around who want nothing more than to get rid of Jesus. And Jesus isn't going to force Himself on them. So rather than really looking at Jesus, they push Him away, they decide not to decide anything about Jesus. I choose Jesus.