Were you there? Herod Antipas

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! Luke 23:8, NIV

I’ve sometimes been asked to play a game where players choose anyone—alive or dead—that they would want to have dinner with. They then list four questions they would ask their guests. Many Christians would likely choose Jesus, but what if you weren’t a believer? Would you still choose him? And if you did, how would you feel if he refused to answer your questions?

This is the situation Herod Antipas finds himself in during the trial of Jesus. When Pilate discovered Jesus was from Galilee, he sent him to Herod, who ruled that region. Herod was an evil and ruthless ruler who had ordered the beheading of Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, but he was “greatly pleased” to see Jesus, having long hoped for a chance to meet him. What he wanted, however, wasn’t a conversation—it was a spectacle.
Herod bombarded Jesus with questions. Jesus refused to answer. There were no miracles performed.

Jesus’ silence was a profound display of obedience to the Father's will. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful response to the noise around us is simply stillness and trust in God’s plan. Jesus’ mission was not to satisfy curiosity or prove himself in the face of scepticism, but to fulfil the redemptive work set before him. How often do we seek answers or validation in the wrong places, when what we truly need is to trust God's timing – even if he is silent?

Let’s pray:
Lord, help me recognise the power of silence and trust in your wisdom and perfect timing. I surrender my questions and find peace in your presence today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.