The Unjust Trials of Our Lord Jesus (5) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

As soon as [Pilate] knew that He belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he 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.
Luke 23:7-9

The Unjust Trials of Our Lord Jesus (5)
Once Pilate heard that Jesus was from Galilee, he decided to send him to Herod, the ruler of Galilee, who was at Jerusalem for the feast. This apparent token of respect would pass his problem on to Herod, with whom he was at enmity. Don't we often act outwardly correctly too as we dump our problems on others?

Herod had long wanted to see Jesus, but not like Zacchaeus who wanted to see Him, who He was. No, Herod was curious and wanted to be entertained by seeing Him do a miracle. Are we satisfied with a superficial knowledge about Him, or do we really want to hear what He has to say to us? We find Him in His Word today.

Jesus knew Herod's heart and motives. He answered him nothing, not even when the chief priests and scribes vehemently accused Him. Herod found nothing true of all that Jesus' enemies charged Him with, but Jesus had done no miracle for him. So, "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" (v. 11).

The only thing that might have appeared positive that came of this was, "That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other" (v. 12). Sad to say, similar things have often happened since then: enemies have become friends through their mutual hatred for or rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The eminent leaders of this world still almost all refuse Him.

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.