Jesus and Herod (Luke 9:7-9)

Once the Twelve are sent out to expand the message and mission of Jesus, Luke informs us about the reputation that has grown around Him. Even Herod has begun to hear the buzz. People know that something amazing is happening. No one seems to be speculating that Jesus is the Messiah, but the speculation this is happening is supernatural. Could He be John the Baptist raised from the dead? Could HE be the return of Elijah who was caught up to heaven without dying? Was He the resurrection of some other prophetic figure of the Old Testament?

Herod wonders if He might be John, since Herod had him killed. In any case, Herod is curious and wants to meet Jesus.

All of this is reminiscent of things Christians encounter today. The world does not like to entertain the idea that Jesus is God. However, no one can deny that He is something special. People like to reduce Him to an important teacher, a revolutionary, or even the most successful religion founder ever. All of those ideas sell Him short. If He was not God and not resurrected, then He was simply a madman or a liar. Many are curious, but curiosity is not enough of a response to who Jesus is and what His message is.

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