6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. 7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. 8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. 12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. (Luke 23:6-12 KJV)
Jesus Before Herod
Pilate, upon hearing Galilee mentioned, asked if Jesus was a Galilean (Luke 23:6). When they confirmed it, Pilate sent him to Herod, who had jurisdiction over Galilee and happened to be in Jerusalem. Pilate wanted to rid himself of the case, but God allowed it to fulfill the Scripture (Acts 4:26-27; Psalm 2:2), where it is said that the kings and rulers set themselves against the Lord and His Anointed.
Herod was excited to see Jesus (Luke 23:8), not because he believed in Him, but because he had heard of His miracles and hoped to witness one. He questioned Jesus extensively, hoping to provoke a sign, but Jesus answered him nothing. Unlike the poor, who were never turned away when they asked for help, Herod—seeking only to satisfy his curiosity—received nothing. He had ignored the opportunity to know Christ in Galilee, and now the chance was taken from him.
The chief priests and scribes stood by, accusing Jesus with great intensity (Luke 23:10), falsely presenting Him as a danger to Galilee. This is a reminder that even those who are good and faithful to their nation’s peace may be falsely accused of sedition.
Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Jesus. They treated him with contempt, dressing him in a bright robe to mock Him as a fake king (Luke 23:11). Herod, who knew more about John the Baptist and Jesus than Pilate did, was even more abusive. Knowledge without grace only makes people more skillful in doing wrong. Herod set the tone for mocking Jesus, which Pilate’s soldiers later imitated.
Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. Though he saw no miracle and didn’t convict Him, he returned the favor to Pilate for showing him respect by sending Jesus to him (Luke 23:11). This exchange ended the hostility between Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:12), who had previously been at odds, likely due to Pilate’s killing of Galileans (Luke 13:1) or some other political conflict. Their unity against Jesus shows how even enemies can align when opposing God’s chosen one, just as Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek united against Israel (Psalm 83:7). Ironically, both Pilate and Herod found Jesus innocent, and in agreeing on this point, they reconciled.