Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)ნიმუში

An encounter with Jesus inevitably changes something in us, and around us. Some are drawn by Jesus, while others are pushed further into hardness of heart and a life without God. When I read this text, my first impression was that nothing significant happened there. The facts are stated, Jesus’ movement at that time is described, and that is where the message of this text ends. Jesus, who was in an unenviable situation, is led from ruler to ruler, in order to determine his fate. The encounter between Jesus and Herod seems ordinary and insignificant. Herod was waiting for him with curiosity, and wanted to see some miracle, or hear some wisdom from his mouth. Why didn’t Jesus answer anything, or perform some miracle to impress Herod and show that everything that was said about him was true? He was silent.

If I were Jesus, I couldn’t have remained silent. But something did happen. By failing to meet Herod’s expectations, Jesus showed who He really was. He did not come for miracles and propaganda. He came to save the world. This was an opportunity for Herod to show interest in the true wealth that Jesus brings - repentance and eternal life. But Herod at that moment chose the superficial and worldly. He had Jesus before him. He chose Pilate. Unfortunately, Herod was not aware of it at that moment, but the trajectory of his earthly and eternal life would never be the same after that encounter.

Think about whether you personally recognize Jesus as the one who brings salvation, or are you looking for some additional confirmation that will convince you that He is God?