7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. 9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. (Luke 9:7-9 KJV)
Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus
Meanwhile, this growing popularity of Jesus caused great confusion and concern for Herod. The fact that Jesus not only performed miracles himself but also gave others power to do the same made his fame spread even more. The people began speculating—some thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead, or one of the ancient prophets, or even Elijah returned from heaven (Luke 9:7-8). Though they didn’t fully understand, they saw him as someone extraordinary.
Herod was deeply disturbed. When he heard all that was happening, his guilty conscience was awakened, and he feared that John had returned from the dead. He had thought he was rid of John, but now it seemed as if John’s power lived on—perhaps in someone come to carry out John’s mission, or even to avenge his death.
Herod asked, “John I beheaded, but who is this I hear such things about?” (Luke 9:9). He was troubled because, unlike John, this man performed miracles and stirred even greater attention. If Herod had simply inquired, he could have learned what many already knew—that Jesus had been preaching and doing miracles long before John’s execution. But Herod didn’t act. Perhaps he considered it beneath him to go to Jesus or to send for him. He had had enough of bold prophets.
He desired to see Jesus, but never sought him out until much later—when Jesus was brought before him during his trial. At that point, Herod and his soldiers mocked him (Luke 23:11). If Herod had followed his conviction earlier, perhaps his heart could have changed. But because he delayed, his heart grew hard, and when he finally did see Jesus, he was already too far gone in prejudice to respond with faith.