Entertainment or Conviction?

When Pilate heard this, (where Jesu had started His ministry- Galilee) he asked if Jesus was a Galilean. Finding that He was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. The chief priests and scribes stood by vehemently accusing Him. Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously they had been hostile towards each other. Luke 23:6-12

Herod brought no charges against Jesus, yet He dressed Him in a brilliant robe to annoy the Sanhedrin. It is thought that Herod and Pilate, both, were reluctant to bring a charge of the death penalty against Jesus and the fact that Herod and Pilate became friends was perhaps because they both despised the Sanhedrin and their desire for a death penalty.

We see in the actions of both leaders a view above the ants they had charge over and with it an arrogance but an upholding of the need for a justifiable reason for death. The Sanhedrin were trying to use Pilate and now Herod for their own ends. It was only their brutal insistence that won them what they wanted.

Herod enjoyed a good show and His only interest in Jesus was the fact that Jesus performed miracles, and perhaps the fact that he wondered if Jesus was the resurrected John the Baptist, who he had admired. There was no desire in this man's heart for truth, or for God. His world was about him.

The apostle Paul experienced leaders who wanted a show and remuneration in the men King Agrippa, Felix, Festus. These all were willing to listen but we're not impacted by the truth. They all found not cause for death in Paul's case either and Agrippa actually stated that if Paul had not appealed to Caesar he could have been released. Acts 26:32

Jesus had taught that it was hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God and from these we see He was right. Not being aware of personal need is a big stumbling block, but, as Jesus also said, with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Amen!

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