Sunday 1st June
Read Luke 9:7-9
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, ‘I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?’ And he tried to see him.” (NIVUK)
One of the challenges in reading narrative is understanding the tone of voice. How do you hear Herod’s words? Are they scornful and dismissive? Are they fearful and concerned? Are they arrogant and proud? Perhaps curious and concerned captures it best?
What is the best way to go about choosing which ‘voice’ is best? Context is key. What is happening in Luke 9? Do we see others asking similar questions? Is Herod merely one amongst a crowd of confused people, or does his position as king mean that his confusion is more significant? We see the question of who Jesus is arise regularly in this chapter, prompted sometimes by Jesus Himself (v18-20; 34-36)!
There is a subtle significance about Herod’s question. Jesus is not one who comes when called. We see it hinted in the unsuccessful attempts of Herod to see Him. We see it matched in the passion narrative when Herod was so pleased to have finally got his audience, on his terms no less.
“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 a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.” (Luke 23:8-12) (NIVUK)
Sometimes there are people to whom the good news of the kingdom should simply not be given. Jesus’ silence speaks volumes.
