Articles
He Answered Him Nothing - Luke 23:9
He Answered Him Nothing - Luke 23:9
”Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him” (Luke 23:8).
Great men of small character? What an oxymoron! They may be men of earthly power and authority among men, but they are not GREAT when judged by the standards of God. The Herod family were people of power among men but were not ‘good people’. This is Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great.
The is the Herod that the ESV study bible notes: “Herod the tetrarch. Herod Antipas was the Roman ruler over the region where Jesus ministered. He was only 17 years old when his father, Herod the Great, died. The kingdom was divided among three of Herod’s sons—Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip II (see note on 2:22). Herod Antipas was made tetrarch (the ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom) of Galilee and Perea and had a long rule (4 b.c.–a.d. 39).”
This is the Herod that had John the Baptist beheaded! This is the Herod that divorced his wife and married his sister-in-law. This is just another petty ruler among men!
As we come to the end of Jesus life and preaching, Herod has heard about Jesus and the miracles He has performed. Now he has a chance to meet Jesus in person.
Jesus had earlier given His judgment upon Herod’s character: Tell that fox… (Luke 13:32). There is nothing to say to such a man, hence Jesus ‘answered him nothing’! What would it accomplish? Would it change Herod’s mind? Would he repent and change his ways?
Standing there are Jesus’ accusers – his own people, the leaders of the Jewish people, the chief priests and scribes. To them Herod would listen, for THEY had the power among the people. Herod treats the Son of God with contempt and mockery.
Masters must learn that they have a master in heaven. Kings must learn that they have a king in heaven. Leaders have a God that will bring them to the bar of judgment. Such positions of ‘greatness’ are in fact positions of great responsibility.
When Solomon realized he was to be king over God’s people, his request was not for personal riches or power but for wisdom to rule righteously, justly, and for the benefit of God’s people. Herod is no Solomon! Few leaders ever recognize such accountability before God. Thus we, as God’s people, are to pray for such:
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Are you praying?
Hugh DeLong
