Day 13: With Jesus Before Herod
Take a moment to quiet yourself: close your eyes and take some deep breaths.
Pray this prayer or something similar in your own words: Jesus, help me draw close to you by seeing my suffering in yours and your suffering in mine.
After trying Jesus, the religious leaders turn him over to the Romans, who have the authority to carry out executions. Jesus faced opposition and disbelief from his own people throughout his ministry, and as an oppressed subject of a foreign power, he would not have expected support from Rome. Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, the same Herod who had killed Jesus' beloved cousin John.
Prayerfully read today's passage, imagining you are standing in Herod's court. What do you see, hear, and feel?
Herod wants to be entertained, not to find justice. Prayerfully read the passage a second time. What image or images does God press upon your heart?
As you close this time of prayer, talk with Jesus about what this passage has brought up for you.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
What might it have felt like for Jesus to be questioned before the power of a king who only wanted to be amused, while the religious leaders hurled accusations? How would it feel to be made a spectacle for entertainment and ridicule?
Community discussion:
Have you experienced being pressured, ridiculed, or treated as a spectacle by people with power over you? How might your experiences help you connect more deeply with Jesus?