When Pilate found out Jesus was from Nazareth, he sent him to the ruler over the Galilee. Herod Antipas was in Jerusalem at the time. Let Herod deal with the problem of this man who came from his jurisdiction.
Herod had an uneasy history with Jesus. John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin and follower, had preached publicly against Herod. John had pointed out that it was wrong that Herod married Herodias, the wife of his half-brother. It was Herod that ordered John the Baptist to be beheaded. At his birthday celebration, Herod was so thrilled with the dance performed by Herodias’s daughter that he promised her anything she wanted. At her mother’s suggestion the girl asked for the head of John the Baptist. Herod gave the order and shortly after, John’s head on a platter was given to the girl.
But now, Jesus had been brought to Herod Antipas. He was glad for the opportunity to see Jesus. He had heard about the miracles the man from Nazareth had done. Earlier, Herod had even wondered if Jesus was actually John risen from the dead.
Now Jesus had been brought to him. Herod wanted to see Jesus perform a miracle.
The chief priests and scribes who accompanied the prisoner to Herod accused Jesus of everything they could image.
Herod asked Jesus a question.
Jesus was silent.
Over and over Herod asked Jesus questions.
Jesus was silent.
It was clear that Jesus would not answer any of Herod’s questions. They turned on Jesus with contempt. They mocked Him and put a royal robe on Him.
Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.
Carla Killough McClafferty