PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 23:8-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Jesus gave him no answer.” (Luke 23:9)
Jesus just stood there quietly, looking like a fool.
Herod wanted a sign, Jesus gave him nothing.
In the end Herod only saw a buffoon, a meek helpless mute.
Jesus does not come across like a worldly leader or celebrity.
He does not draw attention to himself, and avoided the spotlight when he could.
People were always demanding proof or signs to back him up.
He did not do miracles on demand, only when they had a good purpose.
People still demand proof and signs that Jesus is Lord.
‘Why doesn’t he make evil stop, why doesn’t he show himself?’
‘Why doesn’t he speak to me, or help me when I need him?’
“Jews demand signs, Greeks look for wisdom; we preach Christ crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:22)
Our job is not to prove with words or miracles, but to follow Jesus to the cross.
Jesus’s humble, sacrificial love, this is the sign that proves his greatness!
To love, serve, bless, forgive, share, care etc. is the quiet proof of God!
PRAYER
Lord, many times I have heard people ridicule you, or faith in you. Help me not to try to fight and prove you. Help me to be like you, proving God’s message with quiet, humble love.
The lamb – sheep picture comes to mind. When handling lambs once contained are easy to handle – they are fearful yet very docile. Jesus quietly allowed them to accuse and mock him – yet he remained docile – like a lamb led to the shearer or to the slaughter house. Yet, he only had to say the word – the word that put all things into creation – all power was at his calling – so the temptation to cop out and disappear from the scene and give up on us – was always there. Yet his divinity empowered him to persevere and complete the mission he came for: to redeem us. I too must not look for earthly power and control – but submit!
Herod refused to take Jesus seriously. He even dressed Jesus in splendid clothing. Herod wanted a sign but Christ Who stood before Him was the sign by the life Je lived. His words and deeds of days past spoke for themselves. His service, for He came to serve, was a sign enough, but people refused to see. Help me Lord to serve You by my daily living for Jesus by my words and deeds.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.