Reflections with Andy – Luke 23: 1-12 – Looking to Jesus 

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In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus’ true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something “moderately important” or a means to get what we want from a “heavenly genie,” but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the “signs” He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our own.

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Good morning! It is good to be with you on this Thursday, January 29th. As we continue through Luke’s Gospel, we are witnessing the ice thaw outside—and the tension rise in the narrative. Today, we look at the “political ping-pong” match between Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas in Luke 23:1–12.

The Dynamics of Power: Pilate and Herod

To understand this passage, we have to understand the Roman “sandbox.” The Empire was massive, stretching from Britain to the Middle East. The Emperor (Caesar) couldn’t be everywhere, so he appointed governors like Pilate to handle the heavy lifting: collecting taxes and squashing rebellions.

To keep the locals from revolting, Rome often kept “puppet kings” like Herod in place to manage religious customs. Pilate didn’t understand Jewish laws and didn’t care to; he just wanted peace, quiet, and a steady flow of tax revenue so he could eventually retire to a villa in Rome.

The Accusation

The religious leaders knew that “blasphemy” wouldn’t get Jesus executed by Rome, so they pivoted to political charges:

  1. Subverting the nation.
  2. Forbidding taxes to Caesar. (A direct lie, as Jesus had previously said to “render unto Caesar.”)
  3. Claiming to be a King. ### Passing the Buck When Pilate realizes Jesus is a Galilean, he sees a political “out.” He sends Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem for the Passover. Herod doesn’t want to judge Jesus; he wants to be entertained by Him. He’s heard the stories and wants to see a “sign”—a miracle on demand. When Jesus remains silent, Herod mocks Him, dresses Him in an “elegant robe,” and sends Him back.

Interestingly, this shared encounter with Jesus turned two political enemies—Pilate and Herod—into friends.

Lord of All or Genie in a Bottle?

There is a profound spiritual warning in the way these two men approached Jesus.

  • Pilate looked at Jesus and saw a nuisance that might interfere with his tax collection and his peace.
  • Herod looked at Jesus and saw a magician who could provide a show.

Both men were looking to Jesus for what they could get out of Him, rather than for who He really was.

This is the great challenge for us today. It is easy to treat Jesus like a “heavenly genie” or a “fairy godmother” who exists to grant our wishes, bless our pre-made plans, and make our lives comfortable. But as it has been famously said, Christianity is either the most important thing in the world, or it is of no importance at all. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.

If Jesus is Lord, He isn’t there to confirm our desires; He is there to give us direction. He isn’t there to grant our wishes; He is there to transform our wills. We don’t approach Jesus on our terms; we approach Him knowing that He is the King of Kings, and every knee will eventually bow before Him.

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