devotional post # 2075

Luke 23:6-12

Luk 23:6 After Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean.
Luk 23:7 Then, when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
Luk 23:8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.
Luk 23:9 So he questioned him for a long time, but he made no answer.
Luk 23:10 The chief priests and the scribes stood nearby, forcefully accusing him.
Luk 23:11 Also, Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
Luk 23:12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that same day, because before this they had been opponents of each other.

entertainment and advancement

Both Pilate and Herod treated Jesus as an object of their own amusement, and were only concerned with how they could use him for their own political advancement. I cannot help but draw a comparison to the way many in the world associate with the church for the same purposes: entertainment and advancement. He is the creator of all and Lord of all. But all some want from Jesus is to have their ears tickled every Sunday by some “good” preaching, or to find a friendly group they can use to advance your standing in the community.

LORD, forgive us for using you for our own purposes.