Luke 23:9 – “He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Herod Antipas questions Jesus, hoping to get a response. He had been curious about Jesus for a long time and probably expected Him to perform a miracle or defend Himself against the accusations. But Jesus remains silent. This silence is significant—it shows that Jesus is not interested in entertaining Herod’s shallow curiosity or defending Himself in the face of false charges. Jesus knew that no amount of explanation would change Herod’s heart because Herod wasn’t sincerely seeking the truth.
Jesus’ silence is a powerful response. It demonstrates His submission to God’s plan and His willingness to endure mistreatment without retaliation. This moment reflects the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, where the suffering servant is described as being silent before His accusers.
Historical Context
Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee and Perea under Roman authority. He had previously encountered John the Baptist, who had confronted him about his immoral relationship with Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod had imprisoned and executed John, but the experience left him with a lingering fascination and guilt (Mark 6:20). When Jesus gained popularity, Herod became curious, wondering if Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected (Luke 9:7-9).
The Jewish leaders sent Jesus to Herod as part of their strategy to secure a death sentence. Herod’s questioning of Jesus was likely motivated more by entertainment and intrigue than by a desire for justice. He wasn’t interested in repentance or truth—he wanted a spectacle.
Theological Implications
Jesus’ silence before Herod highlights several important theological truths. First, it demonstrates that God’s truth is not available to those who approach Him with hardened hearts or impure motives. Herod had every opportunity to repent—he had heard John the Baptist preach, he knew about Jesus’ miracles, and now he stood face-to-face with the Messiah. But his heart was closed to the truth, so Jesus remained silent.
This moment also reveals Jesus’ role as the suffering servant. He did not come to defend Himself or seek personal vindication. Instead, He willingly submitted to the path of suffering, knowing that it was necessary for the salvation of humanity. His silence was not weakness—it was a demonstration of strength and obedience.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s use of silence in this verse is powerful. Throughout the Passion narrative, Jesus’ silence contrasts sharply with the loud accusations of His enemies and the questioning of political leaders. This silence carries symbolic weight, emphasizing Jesus’ dignity and composure in the face of injustice. It also reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, particularly Isaiah 53:7.
The phrase “plied him with many questions” suggests that Herod’s questioning was relentless, possibly ranging from curiosity about Jesus’ miracles to questions about the accusations made by the religious leaders. But despite the barrage of questions, Jesus remains calm and silent, refusing to be drawn into Herod’s games.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter.”
- Matthew 27:12-14 – Jesus remains silent when questioned by Pilate, fulfilling the same prophecy of the suffering servant.
- 1 Peter 2:23 – When Jesus was insulted, He did not retaliate. Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, who judges justly.
- Proverbs 26:4 – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him,” reflecting the wisdom of Jesus’ silence.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that silence can be a powerful response in certain situations. There are times when defending ourselves or engaging with those who are not genuinely seeking truth is unnecessary or even harmful. Jesus’ silence shows that we don’t have to prove ourselves to others—our trust should be in God, who knows our hearts and will ultimately bring justice.
This verse also encourages believers to remain faithful, even when facing false accusations or mistreatment. Just as Jesus did not retaliate or defend Himself, we can learn to respond to trials with grace and trust in God’s plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in Jesus’ willingness to endure unjust treatment without complaint. Jesus could have defended Himself, performed a miracle, or silenced His accusers, but He chose to remain silent because He was committed to fulfilling God’s plan of salvation. His silence was not a sign of indifference—it was a sign of His deep love for humanity.
This verse also reminds us that God’s love is patient. Herod had been given many chances to repent, yet he continually rejected the truth. God’s love does not force people to believe, but He continues to offer opportunities for repentance.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is a key moment in Jesus’ journey to the cross, highlighting His role as the suffering Messiah who willingly endures humiliation and rejection. His silence before Herod fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 and demonstrates His obedience to God’s will. Jesus knew that His mission was not to defend Himself but to die for the sins of the world.
His silence also points to His trust in God’s ultimate justice. He didn’t need to answer Herod’s questions or defend Himself because He knew that God’s plan would prevail. Jesus’ example teaches us to trust God, even when we face situations where we are misunderstood or mistreated.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him, showing His willingness to suffer for the sake of salvation.
- John 10:17-18 – Jesus willingly lays down His life, showing that His suffering was not forced but chosen.
- Matthew 26:39 – In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays to the Father, submitting to His will despite the suffering ahead.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus remained silent when Herod questioned Him?
- Have you ever been in a situation where staying silent was the best response? What did you learn from that experience?
- How does Jesus’ example of silence and trust in God inspire you to handle difficult situations today?
- What can we learn from Herod’s curiosity about Jesus and his failure to seek the truth with a sincere heart?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and His obedience to God’s plan?