Herod’s Reasons – Part 2

From the desk of Pastor Ben

“Although he was grieved, the king commanded it [John’s head] to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests.” (Matthew 14:9)

Herod’s morbid fascination with John the Baptist and Jesus was very sad. It had nothing to do with real faith and a seeking after truth and salvation. Rather it was the religious curiosity of unbelief that does not respond to God’s grace, love, and truth.
After John’s death, Herod, “kept trying to see Him [Jesus]” (Luke 9:9). But the Lord would not see him prior to the Father’s perfect time. Jesus responded this way to a death threat from Herod: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal’” (Luke 13:32). So He stuck to the purposes of His earthly ministry, undeterred by Herod.
Finally, hours before His crucifixion, Jesus did meet Herod: “Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. . . . Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him . . . Sent Him back to Pilate.” (Luke 23:8-9, 11)
For fear of losing his earthly reputation and power, and for pride in his own accomplishments — and for lack of fear toward God — Herod rejected Christ and doomed his soul forever.

Ask Yourself:
Pride and preoccupation with one’s mask of self-reliance are such dangerous threats to a life of faith — we should guard against them with all our hearts. How have these heart enemies hindered your free experience of fellowship with Christ? What has helped you fight against them?