King Jesus stood before king Herod. Herod looked like a king and Jesus did not. Herod wanted it understood that he was in charge, including the fate of Jesus. Herod had a kingdom of power and being served; Jesus had a kingdom of service. For Herod the people existed to serve Him; Jesus’ life existed to serve others. Herod wanted a miracle; Jesus refused to be used by this or any political leader. Jesus had no choice words to hurl at Herod. He had the opportunity, but He was silent. Jesus’ silence before “power” enraged Herod; he proceeded to lead the soldiers in mocking Him. Jesus was a joke to be laughed at, and a person to be discarded. What can we as disciples learn from their Teacher about how we relate to power in this encounter of Jesus and Herod?
Luke 23:8–11 (ESV) 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
