Herod's entertainment


When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 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. 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. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. (Luke 23:6-12)

Herod was interested in Jesus, for entertainment purposesy. He had heard about him, had wanted to see him for a long time and now was his chance. But he wasn't ineterested in who he was or his teaching, he was just hoping to see a sign, he was looking to be entertained by a miracle. When Jesus does and says nothing, he moves onto a bit of fun at Jesus' expense, mocking him. 

This sounds nothing like the situations we find ourselves in, but is it really that different? Is our association with Jesus for entertainment purposes only? Do we attend church because we hope to see a miracle or, more mudanely, we like the music or find the sermons interesting or inspiring. Is the focus of our relationship with Jesus based on what he can do for us? If that's the case, it's not much of a step to Herod's mocking. When Jesus doesn't do what we want him to, or what we think he should do, we react badly. Criticising, mocking, walking away from the church.

We need to repent and look to Jesus, not the stuff that surrounds him. But also we should be aware that some in our churches are there (most likely subconciously) for entertainment purposes only. We need to do everything we can to make Jesus the centre of attention.