23:5-7
This was not at all the answer that the Jews wanted. So the religious leaders stressed the point that Jesus “stirs up people all over Judea”. Note that Jesus did this by “His teaching”. They stressed that He was working His way from the borders of Israel to the capital. Pilate essentially wanted an easy life, certainly no trouble. So on hearing the mention of Galilee he sees an opportunity to pass the buck and get Herod to sort things out. We sometimes look to civil authorities to protect “religious freedom”. Up to a point they will, especially when there is a Christian foundation to a nation. But when that foundation is non-existent, or is starting to crumble, civil authorities will be more concerned about a quiet life. So we should not be surprised if they make seemingly illogical and wrong decisions when pressurised by secularists.
23:8-12
Herod was initially pleased. He had heard about Jesus and was intrigued by Him. This wasn’t out of any religious devotion, but out of a desire to see Jesus perform a miracle or two. Herod also asked Jesus many questions. However, Jesus gave Him no answer. The religious leaders were also there, hoping to get Herod to do their dirty work for them. So they vehemently accused Jesus. Herod and his entourage thought they were in the position of power, so they mocked Jesus, even dressing Him in an elegant robe. While Jesus had said little or nothing, the religious leaders had probably “accused” Him of being the king of the Jews. Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. Although it seems that little had been achieved, and Pilate still had his problem, Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously they had been enemies.
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