Political Expediency

When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time. Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him (Luke 9:9). And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other. Luke 23:6-12


Expediency: a regard for what is politic or advantageous rather than for what is right or just; a sense of self-interest.

Jesus' accusers mentioned Galilee, so Pilate had an out. Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee happened to be in Jerusalem at the time, for the same reason everyone else was. It was Passover, and they all were gathered in the city for the celebration. It was a good opportunity for a potentate to be seen with his constituents. Herod was delighted at this opportunity to meet with Jesus face to face, having heard so much about Him in recent years. He had made overtures before, and even threatened, but Jesus never had given Him audience. Jesus knew what Herod was about. He had been denounced by John as an adulterer (Luke 3:19). He had imprisoned John and had him beheaded (Matthew 14:10). Herod was fascinated by the stories of miracles and healings done by Jesus, and wanted Him to do some "parlor tricks" for Him and his henchmen. Jesus didn't give him the satisfaction of an answer. He stonewalled the tetrarch, who then set his soldiers upon Jesus, to mock and abuse Him while the chief priests and scribes kept shouting their outrageous accusations.

Note from J. Vernon M cGee: Luke alone includes the the record of Jesus being sent to Herod by Pilate. Jesus' silence before Herod is startling. Jesus is the final issue of Jacob (heir of the promise); Herod is the final issue of Esau (who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, Genesis ch. 27). Jesus had no word for Herod. He formerly had called him "that old fox." (Luke 13:32).

Finally, they dressed Him in a royal robe and returned him to Pilate. This was ridicule of One for Whom they had no respect, only contempt. They meant it as a cruel joke. Apparently the Roman representatives (Pilate and Herod) patched up some old differences that day, in the business of what to do with Jesus. They both had interest in appeasing the Jews. Such is the nature of politics. Keep things as smooth as possible, while appearing to take care of business. Keeping the populace content is the best insurance of job security for a politico. But notably, neither of them found criminal action worthy of death in this man, who was famous for doing miraculous things in His ministry. He in no way threatened the Roman rulership. He was not a revolutionary. He was not an insurrectionist. He was love. He was peace. He was salvation. He was, and IS ETERNAL LIFE to those who believe.