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Luke 23:1–12 (ESV)
1 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5 But they were urgent, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.
It's always amazing to me how people who witness the same event often provide different nuances regarding what unfolded. Some witnesses will take note of how a central figure responded, others will take note of the crowd’s response, while others will list the details of the action as it unfolded. Each witness reports on the same event but highlights different things that took place.
The Gospels are no different in that regard. Luke omits certain details we find in the other Gospels, like the brutal whipping that Jesus endured or the greater details of the conversation between Pilate and Jesus, which we find in Matthew and John’s Gospels, but Luke emphasizes Pilate’s appeal to the high priests, Jewish leaders, and crowds regarding Jesus’ innocence.
At the heart of our passage, there is the question of Jesus’ kingship and kingdom. The accusation of the religious leaders against Jesus (which is false) is that Jesus is leading an insurrection and forbidding the people to pay tribute to Caesar, and that Jesus is proclaiming Himself as king.
Pilate wants to know if Jesus and His kingdom are a threat to Roman rule. After questioning Jesus (Matthew and John’s Gospels give us greater details about the conversation), Pilate declares Jesus’ innocence. Then, upon learning that Jesus belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, Pilate tries to wash his hands of the affair and sends Jesus to Herod.
Herod also questions Jesus and has a similar response to Pilate. It’s obvious that Jesus is not a threat, and the rebellion that Jesus is accused of leading is a farce. After all, Jesus’ followers ran away, and Jesus offered no resistance. Herod, like Pilate, understands that the religious leaders want to do away with Jesus, and they want either Herod or Pilate to do their dirty work for them.
Jesus is a king, and He does have a kingdom, but his kingdom is not of this world, but it is for this world, overcoming the darkness and our sin, and bringing about the reconciliation of humanity through His death on the cross.
And if we’re reading carefully, we can see that even here and now, Jesus brings about reconciliation.
Herod Antipas and Pilate became friends on account of Jesus. In spite of themselves, their silent adversary has been a reconciler. James Edwards.
There is, of course, no comparison between the relationship that Pilate and Herod enjoy in this moment compared to the fellowship and belonging that we have in Christ. But Luke is alert, and wants us to be too, for every sign that the world is becoming a new place through Jesus and his crucifixion. N.T. Wright.
As I think about this, I think about the rights and privileges that you and I are given as ambassadors of Christ. We are given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5.11-21). A ministry that is sorely needed in the world and in our culture today.
Can you imagine the transformation that can take place in our relationships and the world if we push and pursue our calling as ambassadors for Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:18–19
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
God bless you and know that you are constantly in my prayers!
Scott
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