Knowing The Word in Luke 23:6-17, Jesus Before Herod

Pilate is looking for a way out, and now he finds one. The Roman legal system allowed for an accused person to be transferred to the jurisdiction to which the accused belonged. In Jerusalem for Passover, Herod, who we already know has been looking for Jesus, has jurisdiction. Herod asks a question and becomes the only person Jesus never gave an answer to, which must tell us how depraved Jesus saw Herod. Herod had no interest in this case and sent him back to Pilate. We do not know the issue that separated Pilate and Herod, but the mutual deference they give one another somehow restored their strained relationship. Luke has left out much of the investigation, yet within his account Herod and Pilate pronounce Jesus innocent four times. Yet Luke shows us how Pilate was compelled to sentence him death. Some commentators believe the “punishment” to be a scourging that was so intense it caused some men to die. This is the approach taken by Mel Gibson in The Passion of the Christ. Others take this to be a light beating and a warning to those accused who are found innocent that they should take very seriously the accusations made against them. Please note that there is no verse 17, which can be found in copies of Luke, which are believed to be an importation from Mark and not part of the original Luke. The verse was probably inserted to help with transition. This deleted verse reads: “Now he (Pilate) was obliged to release one man to them at the festival (Passover).”

Luke 23:6-17

6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.

13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, we pray you to set your passion, cross, and death between your judgment and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Give mercy and grace to the living; pardon and rest to the dead; to your holy Church peace and concord; and to us sinners everlasting life and glory; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever.

Book of Common Prayer