Was Jesus a magician?

 READ: 2 Samuel 1,2; Psalm 132; Luke 23:1-25

SCRIPTURE:  Luke 23: 8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform a sign of some sort. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer.

OBSERVATION: When Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, Herod was happy that his wish to see Jesus had come true. For Jesus did the most part of his ministry and miracles in the regions of Galilee, which was under the rule of Herod the tetrarch. After the death of John the Baptist, when Herod heard about the miraculous works of Jesus, he said “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him” (Mt.14:2, Mk.6:14). For Herod, Jesus was only a miracle worker. On the other hand, Jesus likened Herod as a fox, which does cunning things for its own gains (Luke 13:32). Herod must have had multiple opportunities to see Jesus’ miracles and to see the people who received their healings and deliverances. However, He never took any effort to see Jesus before. But now, Herod wanted to see a miracle show of Jesus. 

Jesus  healed many people who were in dire need of his healing touch. He never disappointed anyone who came with a hope and faith to receive a miracle. He went to the house of people who longed to see him (Lk.10: 1-6). Herod was not expecting a miracle for his need, but to gratify his desire out of his princely pride. Jesus who never hesitated to answer the most tough and trapping questions of Pharisees and Sadducees, gave no answer to Herod. Jesus always sees the need for a miracle and the desires of people who expect a miracle. A true seeker would not dare to mock Jesus. But a proud person like this Herod would make fun of Jesus, when his/her expectation is not met with Jesus. Was Jesus a magician who does something to get the attention of people in order to get money or wealth? He is the LORD. Jesus answers all who call him out of their desperate need for a miracle. A proud and arrogant person will not get anything from Jesus.

APPLICATION: Many people want to see Jesus for different reasons. What they hear and read about him plays an important role in their expectation of  Jesus. I should not seek Jesus to gratify my desires. Rather, I need to honor him as my Lord and saviour. When I go to Jesus with a humble heart full of love, he accepts me and meets all my needs. Jesus is “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” He is worthy of my praise. 

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for this important lesson that teaches me to humble myself and to seek you with a sincere and loving heart. Lord, you show favor to the humble, but oppose the proud. Help me to seek you for my needs, not for my greed. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573