Luke
23:6-12
“…he had heard
about him and was hoping to see him perform some
sign.”
(Luke 23:8b)
Pilate didn’t
want to deal with this Jewish problem. He was happy to refer the disposition of
this man to Herod. Jesus was from
Galilee, the region Herod governed under Roman oversight, so Pilate reckoned
that Jesus was Herod’s problem. Herod,
on the other hand, was pleased to receive Jesus. He had heard about his miracles and wanted to
see for himself what Jesus could do.
Isn’t it amazing that in the aftermath of his arrest, fascination
overshadowed Jesus’ identity and message much as it did during his
ministry? Like others who encountered
Jesus, King Herod wanted a performance that would entertain and distract him.
Jesus wouldn’t perform at Herod’s whim and the king returned him to Pilate in
disappointment.
Today, many
still look for a sign from Jesus…something to entertain or give reason to
consider his legitimacy. They, like
Herod, misunderstand the power of the gospel. They, and sometimes we who claim
faith in Jesus, want a performance to prove his identity or perhaps, reaffirm
shaky faith. The incarnation, however,
isn’t about impressing the masses or proving God’s power. Jesus came as proof of God’s love…”For God so
loved the world that he gave his only Son…” (John
3:16a)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we receive you as you are, the
gift of God’s love. Amen.
Jim
Abernathy
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