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Continuing our analysis of the penultimate chapter of Luke’s Gospel, this week, please read verses 3-12. If possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 23:8-10 (The Message)
‘Herod was delighted when Jesus showed up. He had wanted for a long time to see him, he’d heard so much about him. He hoped to see him do something spectacular. He peppered him with questions. Jesus didn’t answer—not one word. But the high priests and religion scholars were right there, saying their piece, strident and shrill in their accusations.’
Being a celebrity certainly has its perks, but there are some things that are very annoying. Firstly, let me clarify that I’m not making myself out to be famous in any way. I have met the odd celebrity over the years but cannot make any personal claim to fame. One thing happened to me a few years ago and I still haven’t recovered properly. Cath and I were in Florida and visited Disneyworld one day. She was keen to meet Mickey Mouse and so we queued up for what seemed like hours just to shake hands with someone dressed as a mouse. Yes, he is the most famous mouse in the world but I really couldn’t see the attraction! Anyway, finally we were ushered into this room and Mickey came striding across the room heading in my direction. To my complete and utter surprise, he spoke to me. I really wasn’t expecting that because for several years, I’d seen the character about the parks and have never, ever heard him speak. I was completely shocked and was unable to offer any response other than to say “I’m ok thanks”.
Being stuck for words isn’t something unique to me though. Over the years, many children and adults have gone out of their way to meet their heroes and when confronted with them, are unable to speak. In some cases, they even cry in happiness as they’ve finally met the person whom they’ve almost idolised. It doesn’t matter what question is posed to them, they are unable to utter a single sound due to being truly ‘star-struck’.
In our verses today, we see that Jesus is refusing to speak but it has absolutely nothing to do with meeting a hero or being star-struck. Let’s look at exactly what is happening. The ‘Herod’ that we’re reading of today is Herod Antipas, the half-brother of Herod Philip. He had become infatuated with Philip’s wife Herodias and married her. John the Baptist had voiced disapproval and suffered the consequences of being beheaded at Herodias’ suggestion. Herod, according to Matthew’s gospel, when he had heard of the works of Jesus, stated that Jesus was “John the Baptist raised from the dead”. Earlier in Luke we read that Herod was eager to see Jesus but had not managed to meet Him.
There are many reasons why people wanted to see Jesus. Some had heard of His wonderful teaching and wanted to hear Him personally. Others had received reports of miraculous healing and wanted to know that same power in their own illness. Many others just wanted to meet Him so that they could discredit Him. Herod wanted to meet Jesus so that he could be entertained. He was hoping to see Jesus do something extraordinary. Of course, Jesus knew Herod’s motivation and choose to say absolutely nothing. Not one word. We cannot approach God with that kind of attitude. Sadly, many people even today want to be entertained and are not genuine in their search for the Saviour. Hebrews teaches us that anyone who comes to God, ‘MUST believe that He exists and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him’. God wants to have a relationship with each one of us but it has to be on His terms and not ours. Believe in Him first and then watch what He can do in your life!
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