THE DESIRE TO SEE JESUS: LEARNING FROM HEROD’S EXPERIENCE.
(Luke 9: 7-9).
The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 9, verses 7-9, provides us
with a moment of reflection, of questioning, and of anticipation. As we immerse
ourselves in these words, two distinct yet interwoven themes emerge: the echoes
of the past and a deep-rooted desire to see Jesus.
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going
on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised
from the dead, others that Elijah h
ad appeared, and still others that one of
the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, 'I beheaded
John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?' And he tried to see him.”-
Luke 9:7-9
Echoes of the Past :
It's intriguing how the people of that time tried to
understand the profound mystery of Jesus by referencing figures from their
past. John the Baptist, Elijah, the ancient prophets – these were spiritual
giants of their heritage. Each represented different aspects of God's
interaction with His people:
John the Baptist, the immediate precursor to Jesus,
heralded the coming of the Messiah. His voice, crying out in the wilderness,
prepared the way for the Lord.
Elijah, one of the most significant prophets, was
known for his miracles, challenging the prophets of Baal, and being taken up to
heaven in a fiery chariot. In Jewish tradition, Elijah’s return was a harbinger
of the Messiah's arrival.
The ancient prophets voiced the promises, hopes, and
dreams of a nation waiting for redemption.
Jesus, in His ministry, embodied elements of all these
figures, and yet He was unique. People struggled to categorize Him because
while He resonated with familiar stories and hopes, He was also entirely new
and revolutionary. As Christians, we too should be open to experiencing Christ
in both familiar and unexpected ways. Sometimes, He meets us in the traditions
we know and love, while other times He surprises us, calling us into new
understandings of His nature and purpose.
Learning from Herod's Desire:
Herod’s desire to see Jesus stands out. Here was a man
of power, a man who had John the Baptist beheaded, yet he was drawn with
intense curiosity to see Jesus. This wasn't a faith-filled longing, but rather
a perplexed intrigue. Yet, isn't this how many of us begin our journey? A
desire, a curiosity, a need to know more?
We might see ourselves in Herod’s shoes, where our
initial approach to Jesus might be out of curiosity, confusion, or even
skepticism. But that very desire, even if it begins as mere curiosity, can lead
to a transformative encounter with Christ.
Reflection for our Christian journey of Faith:
This passage speaks to every Christian’s journey. Like
the people of Jesus’ time, we too have our past, our stories, and our
experiences that shape our understanding of God. We must honor these, for they
form the tapestry of our faith. But we must also remain open to the fresh and
transformative experiences of Jesus in our lives.
Furthermore, Herod’s desire to see Jesus serves as a
reminder that our yearning to know Jesus can start in many ways. Whether it's
out of genuine faith, mere curiosity, or even skepticism, what’s crucial is the
pursuit. For in seeking Him, we allow ourselves the possibility of an encounter
that can change our lives.
May our reflections on this passage invigorate our
faith, remind us of the richness of our heritage, and reignite our desire to
know and experience Jesus more deeply every day.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Guide us as we make our journey of faith. Like the
people of old who saw glimpses of Your Son in familiar figures, help us to
recognize Jesus in the echoes of our past and in the surprises of our present
life and events. Ignite in us a genuine curiosity, a desire, to see you, to know
you more and more.
May we always remain open to Your transformative
touch, seeking to know Jesus more deeply with each passing day. We make our
prayers to Christ our Lord
Amen.
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