When Herod Met Jesus: Curiosity Without Commitment (Luke 23:6–12)

I can’t remember exactly when it was—probably in my late teens or early college years—that I watched The Last Temptation of Christ by Martin Scorsese. I don’t recall a single scene from it, which tells you how little lasting value it had. The movie opens with a disclaimer: “This film is not based on the Gospels, but upon a fictional exploration of the eternal spiritual conflict.” In other words, it is openly blasphemous. When Herod met Jesus, he displayed the same kind of shallow fascination—interest without repentance, curiosity without commitment. I mention this because it illustrates something that has been happening for 2,000 years: people are fascinated with Jesus. • Martin Scorsese made the movie because he was fascinated with Jesus• The novel it’s based on—even more fictional—was written by Nikos Kazantzakis, who was fascinated with Jesus• The film succeeded at the box office because the public is fascinated with Jesus But this fascination is superficial. These individuals have one thing in common: they want Jesus only for curiosity, amusement, or entertainment—not to bow before Him as Lord. If they did, they wouldn’t create or consume something that blasphemes Him. This shallow fascination is nothing new. Table of contentsThe Biblical Context of Luke 23:6–12Herod’s Long-Standing Curiosity About JesusLesson One: Curiosity Is Not CommitmentLesson Two: The Silence of Christ Is JudgmentMockery, Contempt, and Tragic IronyLesson Three: Our Expectations Shape Our ExperienceLesson Four: Jesus Is Missed by Those Looking for the Wrong ThingsConclusion: What Will We Do With Jesus? Watch or listen to the full sermon below. https://youtu.be/Gg9b016x9J8 The Biblical Context of Luke 23:6–12 As we work through Luke’s Gospel verse by verse, we encounter another example of fascination without faith: Herod Antipas. Herod had:• Heard the reports about Jesus• Seen how people flocked to Him• Known that the name “Jesus of Nazareth” stirred excitement, interest, and even fear Luke tells us that Herod had wanted to see Jesus for a long time—but not to repent, believe, or obey. He wanted to see a miracle and be entertained. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, He endured six trials—three Jewish and three Roman. After being examined by Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin, Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate. Although Pilate repeatedly declared Jesus innocent (Luke 23:4, 14–15, 22), he lacked the courage to release Him. Looking for a way out, Pilate discovered Jesus was from Galilee and sent Him to Herod Antipas, who had jurisdiction there and happened to be in Jerusalem for Passover. Herod’s Long-Standing Curiosity About Jesus This wasn’t a sudden interest. Luke 9:9 tells us: “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see Him. That statement occurred two to three years earlier. Herod had been waiting a long time for this moment. When Jesus finally stood before him, Luke writes: “When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see Him… and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him” (Luke 23:8). Herod was exceedingly glad—but for the wrong reason. He wanted a miracle on demand. Lesson One: Curiosity Is Not Commitment Herod represents those who seek entertainment rather than encounter Jesus. He wasn’t spiritually hungry; he wanted a spectacle. He treated Jesus like a court jester rather than the Judge of all the earth—like a street magician rather than the King of kings. Herod didn’t want:• Salvation• Conviction• Repentance• Submission• Worship This passage teaches an essential truth: Curiosity about Jesus is not the same as commitment to Jesus. There are people like Herod in every generation:• They enjoy church but avoid repentance• They admire Jesus’ teachings but resist His lordship• They appreciate Christian culture but reject Christian obedience This is especially evident in ultra-charismatic movements where the hunger is not for Scripture, but for the next miracle, prophecy, or emotional high. It’s just another way of wanting a Jesus who performs. Lesson Two: The Silence of Christ Is Judgment Luke 23:9 says: “He questioned Him at some length, but He made no answer.” Jesus spoke to Pilate.Jesus spoke to the Sanhedrin.Jesus spoke to sinners and seekers. But before Herod, He was silent. This silence wasn’t weakness—it was judgment. Herod had rejected John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Having rejected the messenger, he now faced the Messiah—and Christ refused to play along. When people repeatedly ignore God’s voice:• Consciences become numb• Scripture loses its force• Hearts grow calloused If God’s Word convicts you, respond. His voice is mercy. His silence is judgment. Mockery, Contempt, and Tragic Irony Luke 23:11 records Herod’s response: “Herod with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and mocked Him. Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent Him back to Pilate.” Their mockery fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 22:7). Their ridicule ironically proclaimed Christ’s kingship. Just as Caiaphas unknowingly summarized the gospel (John 11:50) and Pilate unknowingly announced Christ’s reign (John 19:19), Herod clothed Jesus in royal robes to mock Him—yet declared the truth: Jesus is King. Herod didn’t condemn Jesus, but he didn’t release Him either. He dismissed Him. Indifference is another form of rejection. Lesson Three: Our Expectations Shape Our Experience Herod’s excitement vanished when Jesus refused to perform. People who come to Christ wanting:• Entertainment instead of salvation• A performer instead of a Lord• Blessings without repentance Often, they grow bored, skeptical, disillusioned, or drift away. What gets you in the door is what keeps you in the door. If people come for entertainment, the church must keep entertaining them. But if they come hungry for God’s Word, they remain because they are being fed. Lesson Four: Jesus Is Missed by Those Looking for the Wrong Things Luke 23:12 records something chilling: “Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day.” The rejection of Christ united former enemies. John 1:10–11 explains it perfectly: “He was in the world… yet the world did not know Him.” Herod stood face-to-face with Jesus and missed Him completely. Like commuters rushing past Joshua Bell playing a $3.5 million Stradivarius, Herod failed to recognize greatness—not because it wasn’t there, but because he wasn’t listening. Conclusion: What Will We Do With Jesus? Herod’s shallow curiosity cost him eternal life. He was physically close to Jesus but spiritually blind. He warns us:• Don’t seek Jesus for entertainment• Don’t approach Him only out of curiosity• Don’t look for experiences without obedience Jesus is not a spectacle to observe—He is a King to obey. One day:• Herod will bow before Christ• Pilate will stand before Christ• Christ will judge the religious leaders And so will we. The question is not whether we are curious about Jesus, but whether we have surrendered to Him.