Luke 23:6-12

JESUS BEFORE HEROD

Luke 23:6-12. “ Pilate, hearing of Galilee, asked if He is a Galilean man. And learning that He is from Herod ' s jurisdiction, he sent Him up to Herod, he also being in Jerusalem in those days.” As Jesus had been; reared in Galilee, He was known everywhere as a citizen of that country, which belonged to the kingdom of Herod, who made it a rule to be in Jerusalem during the great convocations, having also a judgment-hall there for the convenience of business which might be encumbered on him during the festivals. Already has Pilate seen that terrible trouble is brewing in the case, as, he finds the Man utterly innocent, and yet the chief priests, followed by the howling mob, clamor for His blood and are determined on His execution. Consequently Pilate is delighted with the prospect of getting rid of the case, which is already becoming truly formidable.

“ And Herod, seeing Jesus, rejoiced exceedingly; for he was a long time wishing to see Him, because he was hearing of many things concerning Him, and he hoped to see some miracle wrought by Him. And he asked Him in many words, and He responded to him nothing. The chief priests and scribes stood by, accusing Him vehemently.” Though they just lied on Him by wholesale and by false accusation did their utmost to induce Herod to sign His death-warrant, Jesus answered not a word, treating Herod and his clamorous accusers with profound silence. Will you not do likewise? Though people tell a thousand lies on you, keep your mouth shut, thus following the example of your Lord, who, when reviled, reviled not again. When under strong temptation, and especially false accusation, you see, reticence is the true policy. Let your enemies do all the talking, and they will break down and get ashamed before you are aware.

“ And Herod having treated Him with contempt, and mocked Him, along with his soldiers, putting on Him a scarlet robe, sent Him back to Pilate.” As high treason against Caesar was the climax of all their vociferous accusations, Herod regarded Him as a visionary enthusiast, deluded with the idea that He was King of the Jews, which he thought as utterly preposterous, since He was alone, not only without an army to defend Him, but apparently friendless and homeless; therefore he concluded to humor the joke by investing Him with an old royal robe, and sending Him back to Pilate in the habit and attitude of a King, saying to him, “O yes, I have recognized His royal dignity, and now clothe Him in a purple robe, and send Him back to you.”

“ And they both, Pilate and Herod, became friends with each other that same day; for they were formerly accustomed to be in hostility either to other.” O how frequently do we see this historic item verified, the belligerent sects laying down their cudgels, becoming friendly, and uniting against the holiness people!