Luke 23:6-12: a reflection

6But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 12Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

When Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, Herod is delighted, not because he wants the truth, but because he has long wanted to see Jesus perform, hoping to witness some miracle, some spectacle. He questions Jesus at length, but Jesus gives him no answer at all. Before the accusations of the chief priests and the mockery of Herod's soldiers, Jesus stands silent. To the ruler who wanted a show, the Lord had nothing to say.

Notice why Jesus was silent. Herod did not come seeking truth or salvation; he came seeking entertainment, curious to see a wonder, hoping to be amused by a miracle. And to that idle curiosity, that desire for a spectacle rather than a Savior, Jesus gave no answer. He would not perform for the mere amusement of a man who had no interest in the truth, only in the show. His silence exposed the emptiness of Herod's curiosity.

That is a searching picture of how we may approach Jesus. It is possible to be interested in Jesus in the way Herod was, curious, wanting a display, a spectacle, an experience, something to satisfy our curiosity, without any real desire for the truth he brings or the salvation he offers. To such idle curiosity, Jesus may give only silence. He does not perform for those who want a show but not a Savior. Examine how you come to Jesus. Do not approach him merely for curiosity, entertainment, or a spectacle. Come to him in earnest, seeking the truth and the salvation he offers, and he will not be silent to the heart that truly seeks him.

Lord Jesus, Herod was eager to see you, not because he sought the truth but because he wanted a spectacle, and to his idle curiosity you gave only silence. Search how I come to you. Keep me from approaching you merely out of curiosity, for entertainment or an experience, wanting a display but not the truth you bring or the salvation you offer. You do not perform for those who want a show but not a Savior. Help me come to you in earnest, seeking you truly, hungry for the truth and the grace you give, not for a spectacle. Thank you that you are never silent to the heart that truly seeks you; make mine such a heart.