Herod Antipas was the king of Galilee from 4 B.C. to 39 A.D. He had martyred John the Baptist, who questioned his sinful life.
During the trial of Jesus, Herod came to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Since Jesus was from Galilee, Pilate found an excuse from sentencing Jesus by sending him to his neighboring king and enemy, Herod. Herod also did not want to sentence Jesus in the territory of Pilate, though he had previous plans to kill Jesus (Lk 13:31). Herod was curious to see Jesus and to see him perform miracles. Though Herod’s soldiers mocked and persecuted Jesus, he did not answer to questions of King Herod. So, Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate.
REFLECTION
Though John the Baptist criticized Herod Antipas for his illegitimate relationship with his brother’s wife, Herodias, Jesus did not question political authorities. His concern was the scandalous life and misguidance of the religious leaders. Are we leading scandalous life or misguiding others into spiritual darkness?