Each of us is probably similar to each character in the Easter story (including Judas) in some way. I see too much of Herod in me.
Luke tells us the king was pleased when his adversary, Pilate, sent Jesus to him to be examined (Luke 23:6-12). Curious, he wanted to see Jesus do a miracle. With high church officials looking on, Herod asked Jesus all sorts of questions.
Lyricist Tim Rice imagines Herod’s cynicism well in Jesus Christ Superstar. Herod: “Jesus, you just won't believe / The hit you've made around here / You are all we talk about / You are the wonder of the year. / Prove to me that you're no fool / Walk across my swimming pool / Prove to me that you're divine / Change my water into wine.” 1
Scripture tells us Jesus would not dignify Herod’s questions with an answer which led to Herod committing the ultimate in mockery. After he and his court made a laughingstock of Jesus, Herod took a king’s costume (perhaps from his own closet) and with a misplaced air of entitlement, sent the King of Kings back to Pilate’s kangaroo court.
How do I see Herod in me?
Often I want Jesus to act according to my script — bring in the funding my ministry needs, provide the staff I want to recruit. In short, “walk across my swimming pool.” Sometimes, to my shame, I am more interested in his answering all sorts of questions from me than I am in letting him tell me what he wants me to know.
A subordinate staff member and I kidded around the other day about how he was “delegating up” by assigning tasks to me which I’d originally asked of him. How often do my prayers reflect me telling God (in great detail) how he should come through for me?
Herod’s failing was that he wanted Jesus on his own terms. While he had long been intrigued by Jesus’ teaching and miracles (Luke 9:9) Herod’s priority was control. He was more interested in managing his life and his kingdom than in learning what Jesus’ agenda might be.
Now I ask. Do you see any Herod in you?
David G. Goodman
President, Entrust
