Luke mentioned Herod Antipas three times earlier in his Gosepl:
- John the Baptist had censured Herod because of his "evil deeds" and because he had married his brother's wife. Herod then put John in prison, and later had him beheaded.
- Herod heard about all that Jesus was doing and what people were saying. He said, "Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.
- Some Pharisees came to Jesus when he was on the way to Jerusalem and said, "Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."
All of this would make friends of the Lord uneasy when they learned that Pilate sent Jesus to Herod. We're not sure why Pilate did this - he and Herod were not on good terms. Was Pilate trying to dump his problem on Herod? Or was he trying to honor Herod and reduce the friction? Whatever it was, Jesus was caught in the middle.
Today Jesus continues to be "caught in the middle" ... in wars between nations, or in families, or among co-workers, or between neighbors, or within parishes.
It helps to remember in any conflict that, whatever the circumstances, Jesus is there, loving people on both sides.
Any "war" in particular come to mind?
- Little Black Book, Diocese of Saginaw