Tetrarch Herod wanted to see Jesus.
For all the wrong reasons.
See Luke 9: 7-9
7 Herod the tetrarch heard about everything that was going on. He was perplexed, because some said that John had been raised from the dead, 8 some that Elijah had appeared, and others that one of the ancient prophets had risen. 9 “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about?” And he wanted to see Him.
This guy was Herod Antipas. His father Herod the Great, had also wanted to see Jesus, again for very wrong reasons. This crooked desire to see Jesus stemming from wrong motives, seemed to run in the family. When the Magi stepped into his palace in a moment of madness or hubris- trusting in their own wisdom, having taken their eyes off the guiding star – the Great began shivering in his boots. Cunning as he was – another family trait (remember Jesus referred to his son as fox) – he asked the wise men to ascertain where Jesus was born, so that he might also go, see and worship!! Read Matthew 2:8.
We know how the saga ended with infanticide of all male children in Judea below the age of two. Mary and Joseph had escaped to Egypt. Everything in accordance with the Word of God and prophecy.
But Herod’s character was laid bare.
Contrast this attitude with that of the shepherds outside Bethlehem. “So they went running and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby (Jesus), lying in the feeding box. 17 When they saw the baby, they told what the angels said about this child”. And what did the angel say: “Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord” Luke ch.2.
And with that of Simeon. Reading further in Luke 2
“The Holy Spirit told him that he would not die before he saw the Messiah from the Lord. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. So he was there when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to do what the Jewish law said they must do. 28 Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God:
29 “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said.
30 I have seen with my own eyes how you will save your people.
31 Now all people can see your plan.
32 He is a light to show your way to the other nations.
And he will bring honor to your people Israel.”
Yet again with that of Anna, also recorded in Luke 2.
“38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.”
Sadly, Antipas did not have that kind of an eye that was single
And when the time of crucifixion drew near and the crowds led by the priestly elders took Jesus to Herod Antipas, for trial and sentencing, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. The AI copilot Bing paraphrases:
“Perhaps he hoped to witness a miracle or unravel the enigma surrounding Jesus. The encounter between Herod and Jesus is a significant moment in biblical narratives, reflecting both curiosity and apprehension”. Surely Herod had heard that Jesus once referred to him as fox, when some pharisees warned Him of his (Herod’s) intention to kill Jesus, following his beheading of John the Baptist.
Many people even in this day and age seek Jesus,
for healing
for success in business, examination, interview,elections
for promotion
for an opportunity to go abroad
for deliverance from the scourge of debt
for blessing of one kind or another in this world
On the other hand, look at John 12: 20-21
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”
These Greeks did not seem to have any such personal agenda.
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