But they [the Jewish leaders] insisted, “He stirs up the people all over Judea by his teaching. He started in Galilee and has come all the way here.” ⁶ On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time. ⁸ 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 23:5-12).

This could be called the second phase of the Roman trial. Luke alone records that when Pilate learned Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod Antipas, because Jesus “was under Herod’s jurisdiction” (Luke 23:7). You get the impression that Pilate was glad to get rid of Jesus. Perhaps Herod would be the one to condemn Jesus to death.

This event also took place on Friday morning. Herod had wanted to see Jesus for a long time, so he peppered Jesus with questions. Our Lord showed incredible self-control by refusing to answer Herod or do any miracles, just to satisfy this evil man’s curiosity.

Luke 23:11 says that Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus and they put a bright-colored robe on him before sending him back to Pilate.

Years later, Peter wrote: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ²² “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” ²³ When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21-23).

Even when Jesus was being laughed at, beaten, and falsely accused, he didn’t sin with his words or actions. He knew that the hour had come for his sacrificial death and he wasn’t going to retaliate against his enemies or get mad at his Father. Let us learn from his example. Peter challenges us to endure hardship like Jesus. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent, a time to act and a time to be still. It takes wisdom to know the difference and God will guide us along the way.

Prayer

There is no one like you, Jesus; we are amazed! During your time on earth you knew when to speak and when to be silent. Teach us to speak your word whenever you prompt us to but also give us the grace to be quiet when nothing needs to be said. We want our words and deeds to honor you today.

Question

How can you follow the instructions of the apostle James, to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to respond in anger? (James 1:19)