Luke 9:9 – “But Herod said, ‘I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?’ And he tried to see him.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Herod Antipas reflects on the rumors surrounding Jesus. He recalls that he had John the Baptist executed and is now confused about the reports of miracles and preaching tied to Jesus. Herod’s question—“Who, then, is this?”—reveals his uncertainty and curiosity about Jesus’ identity. While others were suggesting that Jesus might be John raised from the dead, Herod knew this couldn’t be literally true. But his conscience was still troubled, and he was intrigued by the growing influence of Jesus.
Herod’s desire to see Jesus wasn’t driven by faith or a desire to repent. Instead, it was more of a fascination, possibly mixed with fear, driven by his guilt over killing John. His response reflects the reaction of many people who encounter Jesus—interest without genuine understanding or commitment.
Historical Context
Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus. He was known for his political cunning, moral corruption, and his involvement in the execution of John the Baptist. John had publicly criticized Herod for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and this eventually led to John’s imprisonment and beheading (Mark 6:17-29).
Herod lived in a time of political instability and religious anticipation. Many Jews were awaiting a prophet, Messiah, or divine deliverer. When reports of Jesus’ miraculous activities began spreading, it naturally attracted the attention of rulers like Herod, who wanted to maintain control and prevent any threat to their power.
Theological Implications
- The Inescapable Nature of Guilt – Herod’s reaction shows that sin, when left unrepented, haunts the conscience. Even with all his political power, Herod couldn’t silence the guilt he felt over John’s death.
- The Question of Jesus’ Identity – Herod’s question—“Who is this?”—is central to the entire Gospel message. Recognizing who Jesus is and responding in faith is the key to salvation.
- Curiosity Without Faith – Herod’s desire to see Jesus wasn’t based on a heart of repentance or a search for truth. Many people today are curious about Jesus but never take the next step of faith.
Literary Analysis
This verse highlights a moment of tension and foreshadowing in Luke’s Gospel. Herod’s mention of John the Baptist connects back to earlier events and shows how the past is catching up to him. The phrase “he tried to see him” sets the stage for a later encounter in Luke 23:6-12, when Herod finally meets Jesus during His trial before the crucifixion.
Luke’s writing often contrasts those who seek Jesus with genuine faith and those who are merely curious or hostile. Herod’s response here foreshadows his continued failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 6:14-29 – The story of John the Baptist’s beheading and Herod’s guilt.
- Luke 23:6-12 – Herod finally meets Jesus during His trial but fails to understand Him.
- Acts 24:24-27 – Felix, like Herod, is curious about Paul’s message but never fully commits, showing how curiosity without faith leads to spiritual stagnation.
- Hebrews 10:22 – The need for a clear conscience through repentance and faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a warning to anyone who hears about Jesus but doesn’t respond in faith. Herod’s curiosity wasn’t enough to save him. He had the opportunity to repent, but instead, he let guilt and fear consume him. Many people today are intrigued by Jesus’ teachings or fascinated by His miracles, but they stop short of surrendering their lives to Him. This verse challenges believers to not just be curious about Jesus but to truly seek Him with a heart of faith.
It’s also a reminder that unresolved guilt can prevent spiritual growth. If we carry the weight of past sins without seeking God’s forgiveness, we’ll be stuck in fear and confusion, just like Herod. True freedom comes when we confess our sins and accept the grace Jesus offers.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident even in the midst of Herod’s confusion and guilt. Despite Herod’s sin, God didn’t abandon him. The fact that Herod heard about Jesus and had the chance to encounter Him later shows God’s patience and desire for people to repent. God’s love doesn’t condemn immediately—He gives people time and opportunity to turn to Him.
However, God’s love also respects human free will. Herod had the chance to respond to the truth, but he chose not to. God’s love is freely offered, but it must be accepted.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Herod’s question—“Who is this?”—is ultimately answered through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Jesus wasn’t just a prophet or teacher; He was the Savior of the world. Herod’s inability to recognize Jesus reflects the spiritual blindness of many who encounter Jesus but fail to understand His true mission.
When Herod finally meets Jesus during His trial (Luke 23:8-9), Jesus remains silent, symbolizing that the time for explanation had passed. Herod had heard enough to know the truth, but his lack of repentance left him unable to see it. This encounter shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything the prophets had spoken about, and ignoring Him leads to judgment.
In contrast, for those who seek Jesus with a heart of faith, He reveals Himself as the one who takes away sin and offers eternal life (John 14:6).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are you truly seeking Jesus with a heart of faith, or is your interest more like Herod’s—curious but hesitant?
- Is there any guilt or unresolved sin in your life that is holding you back from fully accepting God’s grace?
- How does knowing that Jesus’ identity is central to salvation shape the way you share the gospel with others?
- What can you learn from Herod’s mistakes about the importance of responding to conviction with repentance?
- How can you help others move beyond curiosity about Jesus to a personal relationship with Him?