6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. 13 Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was inciting the people to rebellion. I have examined him in your presence and have found no basis for your charges against him. 15 Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us; as you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16 Therefore, I will punish him and then release him.”
(Herod and Jesus- Duccio)
Thoughts: Herod wanted Jesus to entertain him- to perform some miracle to please him- like a magician. In our entertainment and sports-centered world, many focus their lives on what will entertain them. Both Herod and Pilate found nothing worthy of condemnation in Jesus. They both sought to release him, and were probably both afraid of the Jewish leaders and crowd. They faced the peer pressure to call someone guilty who was innocent, and therefore the guilty would be seen as innocent. Isaiah (5;20) says, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." God is the standard for right and wrong- not the crowd, or the experts. God alone is the righteous judge.
Prayer: Lord, may I look to you this day to lead me in the paths of righteousness. Help me to know I am accountable to you alone, the righteous Judge.
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