THE CIVIL TRIAL—JESUS BEFORE HEROD

Luke 23:6-11

Wendell Winkler

Introduction

Text: Luke is the only biographer of our Lord who records Jesus’ trial before Herod. This he does in Luke 23:6-11, 15. His trial before Herod was the second stage of the Roman trial, with the first stage having taken place before Pilate. The place of Christ’s trial before Herod is Jerusalem, with the time being early on Friday morning of the Lord’s last week before his crucifixion.

Background to the trial: The Jews were forbidden under Roman rule to practice capital punishment. Accordingly, they could not put Jesus to death. Therefore, they originated false testimony concerning Christ related to the Roman rule. Such being the case, before Pilate, they accused Christ of

(a) perverting the nation,

(b) forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and

In addition to their charges being palpably false, how ridiculously hypocritical were they! Here they are feigning respect for Roman rule when they were galling under it. Yes, how diabolical and deceiving men will become in order to reach their evil design. Further, they accused Christ in the presence of Pilate of being one who “stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place” (Lk. 23:5). Upon hearing the word “Galilee,” and inquiring further concerning the matter, Pilate sent Christ to Herod since Galilee was his jurisdiction (Lk. 23:6-7). Now the stage is set for the second stage of the Roman trial. Let us now proceed in the development of the same.

1. The Herod Before Whom Christ Appeared

When Herod the Great (the one related to the events surrounding the birth of Christ, Matthew 2) died, three of his sons took his place: Archelaus became Tetrarch of Judea; Antipas became Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; and Philip became Tetrarch of Trachonitus. Of these three, Herod Antipas is the one before whom our Lord was tried. He was the one who had John the Baptist sentenced to death when John condemned his adulterous relationship (Mt. 14:1-12). He is the Herod whom our Lord called a “fox” (Lk. 13:32), thus warning of his destructive, evil, conniving and deceptive ways.

2. Why Was Christ Being Tried Before Herod

(1) As observed earlier, when Pilate heard the chief priests speak of Jesus’ teaching beginning from Galilee, and knowing that Herod was Tetrarch of Galilee, he was accordingly sent to Herod. Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, ordinarily lived in Caesarea. He no doubt had come to Jerusalem to keep order during the Passover observance. Herod was present in Jerusalem at the same time, having come from Galilee; no doubt, his appearance was to demonstrate to the Jewish people his interest in their activities.

Though the sending of Christ to Herod by Pilate could have been the civil norm or the exercise of political expediency, we believe that Pilate’s move was precipitated by moral cowardice, as evidenced by his subsequent behavior. (Did he not wash his hands, desiring to have no responsibility attached to the subsequent activities related to Christ? Mt.27:24.) Apparently, Pilate was not wanting to take the heat, he was not wanting to assume the responsibility attached to the trial of Christ. In moral cowardice, he seeks to shift the same to Herod. And so it is now! Many do not want to take the taunts, sarcasm, and ridicule connected to living a godly life. Accordingly, we seek to dismiss Christ from our lives; we seek to put distance between ourselves and the Savior. We renounce all connection, relationship, and responsibility connected to our Lord. What tragic results are often produced by moral cowardice.

3. Christ’s Arrival and Initial Meeting with Herod

We are told that when Herod saw Christ, “He was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him” (Lk. 23:8).

Observe that the fame/reputation of Jesus preceded him. Such was due to his life, doctrine, and miracles. We cannot separate ourselves from the lives we live and become a nonentity. We will all have influence and a reputation. As our reputation precedes and/or accompanies us, will it be one of shame (he is a cheat; he is immoral; he is lazy) or sanctification (he is a good man; you are really getting someone fine).
Someone bore the message of Christ to Herod. The text says that “he had heard many things of him.” Was the message brought by a friend or foe? God can use for good even the work of his enemies. Incidentally, as the word concerning Christ had reached the civil rulers, so was the case in Acts 8:26-40; let us not hesitate to take the gospel to those who are in the so-called high stations of life today.
Herod’s interest in Jesus was shallow, viewing him as sort of a court jester. Correspondingly, some have improper views of Christ today, as they consider him nothing more than a philosopher, a so-called revolutionary, etc. Instead, he is the Son of God! He is our one and only Savior!
Herod did not take Jesus very seriously nor did he think he was someone with whom he would have to reckon. Such attitudes are often demonstrated today. Let us be reminded that we will one day take him seriously! (Phil. 2:5-11). According to this passage, the question is not will we, but when will we? If we do not decide to take Jesus seriously in time, we will certainly so do when he comes again!
Jesus did not prostitute the holy. No, Jesus did not perform any miracle in the presence of Herod. He would not conceive of taking something that was divine, holy, and purposeful to his ministry and misuse it and profane it. Had he not taught that pearls were not to be cast before swine, and not to give that which is holy unto the dogs? (Mt. 7:6). Some men can judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46).
Herod missed the opportunity of a lifetime. He could have heard the Savior’s precious message. If the soil of his heart had been fertile, and a miracle had been needed for confirmatory purposes, no doubt such would have been performed. Such opportunities were his; but they were not seized. History and eternal destinies often turn and/or are determined by a single event or opportunity of life.

4. The Actual Trial of Christ Before Herod

The charge. No doubt the same charges that had been brought before Pilate, possibly the same three mentioned in Luke 23:2, along with the charge of stirring up the people, were presented before Herod.

Herod’s question concerning the charges. In fact, we are told Herod “questioned with him in many words.” Thus, his examination was extremely thorough. Due to the type of life he had lived, such scrutiny was of no real concern to Christ. Beware of skeletons. So, live as to never have to fear minute scrutiny.

The silent response of Jesus to the charges and inquiries. The text reads, “but he answered him nothing. ” Silence can be golden. Silence can be deafening. Christ stood the test. Luke 23:15 reads, “No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.” May we so live “that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (us) (Tit. 2:8).

His accusers were the religionists of the day. They were the chief priests. You see, religion can be a garb or a way of life. To them, it was a garb. They lied; they bore false witness; they perjured. Such was prompted by the selfish motive of maintaining their sway over the uninformed masses. They have their counterparts in the religious world of our day (in the denominational preacher who will misrepresent the church of our Lord so as to keep his sway over the uninformed).

5. Our Lord’s Subsequent Treatment by Herod after the Trial

Herod “set him at nought and mocked him.” Herod ridiculed him, treated him despicably and disrespectfully. And so it is with the church and the people of our Lord today. After all, as we treat his people, so we treat him (Mt. 25:31-46).

Herod “arrayed him in a gorgeous robe. ” Albert Barnes says the original word suggests a white robe.

Herod “sent him again to Pilate.” “The same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves” (Lk. 23:12). Yes, it is possible for denominational enemies to become united at the expense of the Lord’s church. How many times have sectarians, who have bickered one with another through the years, become friends and united their efforts when the church of our Lord began to make its appearance in the community? See Psalm 83:3-5.

Conclusion

Though in a context of mockery, Christ became the means of reconciliation between two civil rulers. He can also be the means of our reconciliation to God (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Herod sent Christ back to Pilate, and so can we. However, let us rather be encouraged to say, “Master, stay with us.” What will it be concerning you and Jesus? Will it be “send” or “stay?”