Luke 9:7-11
Herod assumed he eliminated the religious threat to his position when he killed John. When he heard of
Jesus’ growing ministry through His apostles, he was baffled. “Herod said, ‘I myself had John
beheaded; but who is this man about whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see Him.” (9)
Herod was not trying to see Jesus because of a need, but to resolve his confusion and curiosity. Jesus
made no attempt to address these, but, “…Taking them [the apostles] with Him, He withdrew by Himself
to a city called Bethsaida.” (10b). Jesus avoided any attempt to be resolve Herod’s curiosity, but when
crowds came to Him, He gladly welcomed them speaking of God’s kingdom and healing those in need.
Jesus’ teaching and miracle ministry was not used to satisfy curiosity, but to meet the genuine needs of
a people who followed Him (Luke 4:18-19).