This is a short reading today. It almost feels like a commercial break or something between two big stories. Perhaps a scene change diversion of sorts. A turning point. There is significance here that we really shouldn’t miss.
Herod Antipas is a son of the Herod ruling when Jesus was born. You will recall that Herod wanted to kill Jesus, the baby born “king of the Jews”. The new king (Jesus) would be a threat to his own rule.
You may recall, Herod Antipas is the one who had John the Baptist beheaded at the request of his illegal, adulterous wife. Now we see Herod a bit perplexed wondering who Jesus was. Even the people were not sure how to interpret Jesus. His teachings and miracles were just a little too hard to explain away. To fathom Jesus as God’s son was even more of a stretch for these folks. They had to reconcile it some other way, saying he must be Elijah or some other prophet raised from the dead.
I can’t imagine that to be any more believable. Those folks had been dead for a long time. I suppose Elijah didn’t die but was taken up to heaven, that could be more believable. Yet, the people were drawn to Jesus, whoever he was, and that was starting to bother Herod Antipas.
We are fortunate to have the Bible account to reveal who Jesus was. By knowing Jesus, we get a glimpse of the Father as well. If any of you are parents, you can imagine the LOVE it would take to send your son to the world to encounter what you knew had to happen – the ultimate sacrifice. To have a relationship with a loving father like that is something we should all desire.
So who is Jesus to you? Is it hard for you to grasp that Jesus was fully God and fully man? That is just mind boggling, isn’t it? People may want to call him a prophet or great teacher. But then how do you explain his miracles and the resurrection? Just knowing and accepting Jesus for who he is will cleanse and refresh you.
In our reading, while wondering who Jesus was, Herod “kept trying to see him [Jesus].” That is probably helpful for us, too. We need to keep seeking Jesus. He is waiting for us, patiently. His arms are open wide to accept us and love us. His grace is sufficient, and his forgiveness is forever.
Let’s pray. Father God, forgive me for my laziness. I know who you are, yet I feel like my mouth is often closed. Keep your saving grace in the forefront of my mind so I am ready to share at all times. I am excited for what you are doing in my life, all the new experiences you are orchestrating. May I never take you for granted. The confidence I have comes from you, and I trust you will keep the supply overflowing in the days ahead. Watch over all whom I love as they find their way back to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
