The Journey, part 13: Who is This Man?

Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was happening; and he was greatly perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen again. 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. (Luke 9:7-9 NASB)

Herod Antipas played such a pivotal role in the life and crucifixion of Jesus that he is worth considering in a bit more detail. As we have already seen, the news of Jesus and the ministry of the twelve had spread all the way to Herod's court. The rumors about Jesus had reached Herod. He's Elijah. He's one of the prophets. He's John the Baptizer. Herod didn't know what to think, but that last, John the Baptizer come back to life, chilled his soul, and was the one thing he did not want to believe. 

It was at this point that Herod asked the most important question of his life. "Who is this man?"  It was a valid question. Herod did not call in leaders of the Sanhedrin, nor one of the priests from the temple. He had already heard enough opinions, and he did not want one more. He wanted fact. Herod understood that there was a difference between the speculations of the populace and the truth of the matter. Herod also understood another critical fact. To get to the truth, he would have to see Jesus.  

To get to the truth about Jesus, we, too, must have a personal encounter with Him. The world's libraries are filled with books about Jesus, most containing varying amounts of truth. None of those compare to the power of time spent in His presence or to study in the "red letters" of His Word. If we want to know Jesus, we must stop looking at the people who claim to know Him and start looking to Him. 

To whom do we turn for information about Jesus? What is our source for truth? Do we look to every person except Jesus? Do we read every book except God's Word? Let's make sure that our search for truth actually leads us to TRUTH, and not the opinion of those who, though well-meaning, are not the Christ.  If we are searching for truth, and we are, then let us go the source, which is Jesus alone.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6 NASB)