Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate and Herod

Luke 23:1–12
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Pilate was the Roman Governor of Palestine from A.D. 26-36. He seemed to take pleasure in harassing the Jews and had insulted the Jewish religion by bringing imperial images into Jerusalem. Because of this Pilate was already beginning to feel insecure in his position when the Jewish leaders brought Jesus to trial (v. 1). Would he continue to badger the Jews and risk his political future, or would he give in to their demands and condemn a man whom he was sure was innocent? Jesus was brought before him two times and each time He was declared not guilty. The Jews rejected his verdict and continued to accuse Him (vv. 2-5). When they mentioned Galilee, Pilate saw an opportunity to wash his hands of the whole situation by sending Jesus to Herod, who was ruler of Galilee and the same man who had murdered John the Baptist (vv. 6-7).

Herod had heard many things about Jesus and he wanted to meet him, ask him some questions and maybe see a miracle done by Him (v. 8). Herod questioned Jesus with many words, but He answered him nothing (v. 9). During this time the chief priests and scribes continued to vehemently accuse Jesus. Herod and his men made fun of Him and mocked Him and eventually sent Him back to Pilate. Herod ended up joining the crowd and making no decision, as politicians often do, and took what he thought was the easy way out as he turned Jesus back to Pilate (vv. 10-12).

Application

I have heard it said that silence is golden, and this was certainly the case in the story of Jesus above. However, there are times when we need to speak up. I can I think of times when I have known that something was wrong but failed to stick up for what was right and gave in to the wrong. I must constantly seek God’s help in this matter of knowing when to speak up and when not to.