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The Lord's Day Bible Message Outlines

August 2, 2009
Pastor Dana Johnson

"Now when Herod saw Jesus...he hoped to see some miracle...." -Luke 23:8

Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him,
because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.

1. What do we know about Herod Antipas? (See blend of religion and politics.)

a. He was the son of Herod the Great (Edomites raised in Judaism).

b. He was the Tetrach of Galilee.
Luke 3:1 - Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene.

c. He dismissed his first wife and stole his brother Philip's wife Herodias (their brother's daughter).
Mark 6:17 - For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.

d. He had some sort of appreciation for John the Baptist.
Mark 6:20 - For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

e. He executed John the Baptist.
Mark 6:25-27 - Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison.

f. He seemed to be identified with the doctrine of the Sadducees: liberal theology that denied the supernatural.
Mark 8:15 - Then He charged them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
Matthew 16:6 - Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."

g. Therefore, he was conflicted in his beliefs when he heard the rumor that Jesus was John resurrected.
Luke 9:7 - Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead.
Mark 6:14 - Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."

2. What are two reasons why people, like Herod, have a fascination with miracles?

a. The entertainment factor

b. They want a foundation for their "faith."
John 4:48 - Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe."

3. What is Christ's response to that carnal fascination with miracles?

a. John 2:23-25 - Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

b. Matthew 12:39 - But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah."

4. According to Psalm 2:12, there is only one right response to the Son for Herod, or anyone:
Psalm 2:12 - Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

 
(All Scripture quoted is from the New King James Version)