The Road Devotional | Lent 2024

On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. 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.

He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. 

In Luke 9:7-9, we read that Herod, the Roman ruler of the area called Galilee, has heard of Jesus and wants to meet him. here, he gets his chance. Even before then we know that he was concerned about the possibility of the Messiah he had sent the magi to find Jesus for the purpose of killing him. Not only will they get to do that, but they’ll be exceptionally cruel to him in the moments leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Q. Why is it so easy for us to react in violence to stuff that happens to us vs. finding peaceful solutions to things.

Verse 8 can be perplexing: why did Jesus not give Herod some sort of sign in order to escape his fate and convert him? Jesus knew that, although what was to come would be violent, only a non-violent revolution would ever succeed against violence committed. So his silence here spoke louder than any action or word he could have done/said. Jesus is also wise enough to know that it really didn’t matter. Their hearts were already hardened. Rather than feed them in the way they wanted, Jesus takes their power away by remaining quiet.

Q. It says that Jesus is vehemently accused and mocked. When in your life have you taken joy at the expense of others? When have others taken joy at your expense?

God,  we recognize the complexity of human hearts and the depths of human sinfulness that led to Jesus being unjustly accused and condemned. Yet, even in the midst of this injustice, we see Your divine love unfolding. Guide us in our interactions with others, that our words and actions may always reflect Your love and compassion. May we be agents of reconciliation and peace in a world marred by division and strife.

Amen.