Our Lord Before Herod

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Luke 23:8-12

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season…

I. HEROD BEFORE JESUS.

1. See idle curiosity at its best.

2. Idle curiosity disappointed.

(1) Our Lord came not into this world to be a performer.

(2) Herod had already silenced the Voice; no wonder he could not now hear the Word.

(3) Herod might have heard Christ hundreds of times before if he had chosen to do so.

(4) Christ had good reason for refusing to speak to Herod this time, because He would not have it supposed that He yielded to the pomp and dignity of men.

3. Idle curiosity curdles into derision.

II. JESUS IN THE PRESENCE OF HEROD. Although no blows are recorded, I greatly question whether our Divine Master suffered anywhere more than He did in the palace of tiered.

1. Fully in earnest for the salvation of souls, and in the midst of His griever's passion, He is looked upon as a mountebank and a mere performer, who is expected to work a miracle for the amusement of an impious court.

2. Then to think of our Lord's being questioned by such a fop as Herod!

3. Then the ribaldry of the whole thing!

4. It was no small pain to our Lord to be silent.

5. Think of the contempt that was poured upon Him.

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