Good Morning Friends,
“The people said to Pilate, ‘He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.’ 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 some miracle. 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.” (Luke 23:5-12)
Herod wanted Jesus to be entertainment. Herod was hoping Jesus would dazzle him with the performance of some miracle. Jesus refused.
Not only did Jesus refuse the miracle that Herod wanted, He refused to even speak to Herod. He answered none of Herod’s questions. He kept silent despite all the accusations that were brought to Herod by the Jewish leaders. This wasn’t a serious trial. This wasn’t a serious attempt on Herod’s part to seek answers and find truth. This was a sideshow – it was entertainment for Herod.
What Jesus says and what Jesus does is never about entertainment. He would not be caught up in providing Herod entertainment and He won’t get caught up in providing us with entertainment, either. Honest and sincere questions – those Jesus will answer. Questions posed just for fun or to get the focus off of a person’s problems – those Jesus will leave unanswered. Honest and sincere prayers – Jesus will hear and answer. Requests for something to dazzle – Jesus remains silent and unmoved.
The lack of interest Jesus has in the entertainment of people makes me wonder what He thinks about some of what we call worship in American churches. How much is honest and sincere praise – and how much is for our pleasure? How much is real worship – and how much is about entertaining the crowds? I don’t have answers to those questions – just questions to ponder. After all, it’s not so much about what goes on in the churches – it’s about what is going on in the hearts of worshipers! It’s about what goes in your heart and my heart when we come before God with our praise.
Jesus isn’t interested in entertaining us – He is interested in changing us!
His, by Grace,
Steve
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