Jesus Before Pilate and Herod (Luke 23:1-12)
Introduction
In the final stages of Jesus’ earthly ministry, as he moves toward the cross, we see him standing before two powerful figures: Pilate and Herod. In Luke 23:1-12, we get a glimpse of the political and religious tension that surrounds the trial of Jesus. His innocence, unwavering silence, and the surrounding accusations paint a picture of a world that is rejecting him, even as he fulfills God’s redemptive plan.
Today, we explore the meaning of this somber passage and how it speaks to our lives.
Verse-by-Verse Breakdown of Luke 23:1–12 and Commentary
Luke 23:1-2
“Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.’”
This passage opens with the religious leaders dragging Jesus before Pilate. But it’s important to recognize that their motive isn’t one of genuine justice or truth—it is political. Jesus, as the perceived threat to their power, must be removed. These accusations—treasonous and inflammatory—were carefully chosen to present Jesus as a danger not only to the religious order but also to the political stability of Roman rule. They accuse him of inciting rebellion by forbidding taxes to Caesar and claiming to be a king, a title that, in the Roman world, would be seen as a direct challenge to the emperor’s authority.
However, the religious leaders twist Jesus’ words. In the Gospels, we see Jesus consistently teaching about a kingdom that isn’t of this world (John 18:36). His message wasn’t about overthrowing Rome but about the arrival of God’s reign, which surpasses any earthly government. The fact that these leaders use such charges against him reveals their deep misunderstanding of His mission—and their desire to manipulate His message for their own gain. They don’t want to hear about a king who offers a spiritual reign, one that demands repentance, justice, and mercy. Instead, they seek to label him as a political threat in an attempt to end His influence.
For us today, there’s a powerful reminder about how easily truth can be manipulated in the service of power. How often do we see people twist words, claims, or events to fit their own agenda? Whether it’s in politics, culture, or even in our personal lives, the temptation to misuse truth for personal gain is always present. And yet, in the midst of it all, Jesus remains silent, not defending himself against the lies and misrepresentations.
Behold the Man” — Ecce Homo by Andrea Mantegna (c. 1500), a haunting portrayal of Christ’s silent suffering, confronting the crowd with divine dignity amid human cruelty.
Luke 23:3
Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’”
Pilate’s question is direct—there’s no ambiguity. Jesus is being charged with being a king, so Pilate asks: “Are you the King of the Jews?” This question gets to the heart of the accusations, but Jesus’ response, “You say so,” is profound in its simplicity and mystery. It’s not a flat-out denial, but neither is it a clear affirmation. It’s an invitation to deeper reflection. Jesus is not claiming kingship in the way Pilate expects, and Pilate’s limited understanding of kingship cannot grasp the nature of Jesus’ rule.
Jesus isn’t here to establish a physical kingdom that would overthrow Caesar or Roman rule. His kingship is not marked by military might, political maneuvering, or earthly dominion. The kingdom Jesus speaks of is one of spiritual renewal and redemption. His reign is in the hearts of those who follow him, not in the palaces of the powerful. By replying with “You say so,” Jesus is subtly inviting Pilate—and us—into a deeper understanding of who he truly is. He is the Messiah, but not in the way that the world defines the term. His kingdom is not of this world.
Jesus’ response also reflects His refusal to get drawn into the earthly power struggle. He doesn’t defend himself against the false accusations; instead, he invites Pilate to see beyond the surface, beyond the world’s systems of authority, to the deeper truth of who he is. The kingship of Jesus challenges the world’s understanding of power. It’s not about domination or control; it’s about service, sacrifice, and the bringing of peace that passes all understanding.
Luke 23:4
“Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, ‘I find no basis for an accusation against this man.’”
Pilate’s judgment is clear—there is no evidence to convict Jesus. Pilate’s role here reflects the theme of Jesus’ innocence throughout his trial. Despite the accusations, there is no truth in them. Pilate’s conclusion, however, will soon be overridden by the political pressures from the crowd.
Hey, Pilate, find a backbone!
Luke 23:5
“But they were insistent and said, ‘He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.’”
In this verse, we see the religious leaders intensifying their accusations against Jesus. No longer are they merely presenting Him as a threat to their religious authority; now, they frame Him as a dangerous public agitator. They accuse Jesus of stirring up the masses, teaching throughout all Judea, and moving from region to region, creating unrest wherever He goes. This is a serious charge, especially in the context of Roman rule, where any hint of rebellion could lead to swift and brutal consequences.
From a social science perspective, this moment highlights the power of collective sentiment and the dangers of mob mentality. Jesus, who has been gathering large crowds throughout His ministry, is now framed by the religious authorities as a public menace. They are tapping into a fear that leaders throughout history have understood well: the fear of a rebellious population. The Roman Empire, already dealing with tensions across its vast territory, would see any popular movement as a threat to their control.
Mihaly Munkacsy (1896) provides a dramatic and emotionally charged painting depicting the moment Pontius Pilate presents a beaten, bound, and innocent Jesus to a restless crowd.
The religious leaders know how to manipulate this fear. By presenting Jesus as someone who is creating unrest in Judea, they are not just accusing Him of spreading a religious message—they are suggesting that He is causing civil disturbance. Pilate, as a Roman governor, has to deal with the political implications of this accusation. It’s no longer just about religion or doctrine—it’s about maintaining the peace of the empire, which is something Pilate cannot afford to ignore.
This moment also calls us to consider the ways in which public figures or movements can be framed by those in power. Often, the narrative about a person or cause can be manipulated to serve a particular agenda. Jesus is presented as a troublemaker, but in reality, His message was about peace, repentance, and reconciliation with God. The mob, stirred by the religious leaders, sees Him as a threat, but this is based on a distorted perception of who He truly is. In the world we live in, we see similar tactics used in politics, media, and social movements—individuals or groups can be unfairly labeled, and that label can shape public perception, often with lasting consequences.
There’s also a lesson here about the power of persistent voices. The religious leaders are described as “insistent” in their accusations. In a society where voices are amplified by those in authority, the danger is that repeated accusations can shape the narrative. The mob mentality, once stirred, can quickly become a dangerous force. It’s a reminder to be cautious about the power of public opinion and the way it can be manipulated by those who seek to control the narrative.
In light of this, we should always be careful of the crowd, especially when the collective sentiment is based on distorted or incomplete information. Social science research consistently shows that when people are swept up in group dynamics, they are more likely to act in ways they might not individually consider—whether in support of a cause or against it. The crowd’s energy becomes its own force, and it can be used to propel a narrative that may or may not reflect the truth.
Jesus stands before this insistent mob, who have been influenced by the religious leaders’ framing of Him. The accusations, though based on a misunderstanding of His message, have power because they feed into the larger fear of political unrest. This is the reality of social power at work—a reminder to us that the way we understand truth and justice can be shaped by the voices around us, for good or for ill.
Nicolaes Knupfer (mid-17th century) captures the dramatic trial of Jesus before the tetrarch Herod. Christ stands silently while Herod, dressed in opulent robes, questions him with curiosity and mockery.
Luke 23:6-7
“When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean; and when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.”
Pilate, trying to avoid responsibility for Jesus’ trial, sends him to Herod. Pilate’s action here reveals the political maneuvering of the moment. Herod, the ruler of Galilee, would have the jurisdiction over someone from that region. This also highlights the theme of shifting responsibility that surrounds Jesus’ trial.
Luke 23:8-9
“When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad; for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer.”
Herod’s curiosity about Jesus is not genuine. He desires to see a spectacle, a miracle, and is disappointed when Jesus remains silent. Jesus’ silence here is significant—he will not play into the expectations or desires of the rulers who seek to use him for their own purposes.
Luke 23:10-11
“The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; they put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate.”
Here, Herod joins in mocking Jesus. He does not treat Jesus with the dignity or respect due to anyone, let alone the Son of God. The image of Jesus being mocked and humiliated is a sobering reminder of how far humanity will go in rejecting the truth.
Luke 23:12
“That day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.”
This verse is striking in its irony. Pilate and Herod, two men who had been at odds politically, are united in their contempt for Jesus. Their newfound friendship, forged at the expense of an innocent man, reveals the depth of human depravity and the political and social dynamics that often overshadow truth.
Attributed to a Netherlandish master of the 15th century, this diptych pairs Ecce Home (Behold the Man) and Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother). A diptych is two painted or carved panels connected by hingers. They were opened for prayer and contemplation.
Meaning for Today: The Trial of Jesus Before Pilate and Herod
As we reflect on the trial before Pilate and Herod, we see not only the rejection of Jesus by the religious and political authorities of the time but also the profound silence of Jesus in the face of false accusations. Jesus did not need to defend Himself—his mission was to bear witness to the truth, and in doing so, he fulfilled God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
For us today, this passage challenges us to reflect on the ways we might be tempted to shift responsibility or seek to protect ourselves at the expense of others. Pilate and Herod represent the political maneuvering that often takes place at the expense of what is right. Jesus’ silence calls us to examine our own responses when we are unjustly accused or mistreated. Are we ready to stand for the truth, even when it means suffering?
Additionally, this passage encourages us to look at the motivations behind our actions. Like Herod, we might be curious about Jesus, but do we seek him for the right reasons? Or like Pilate, do we try to avoid making hard decisions? Jesus’ trial is an invitation for us to examine the authenticity of our faith and our willingness to follow Him, even when it requires sacrifice.
Conclusion
The trial before Pilate and Herod shows us a broken world that chooses political expedience over justice and truth. Yet, through it all, Jesus remains silent, fulfilling the will of God. In his silence, we find the greatest statement of love—the willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the redemption of the world. May we be faithful in seeking the truth and standing for it, even when it is inconvenient or costly.
FAQ
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Pilate’s decision to send Jesus to Herod, a move made to shift responsibility, highlights the political maneuvering of the time. By passing the judgment to Herod, Pilate sought to avoid taking responsibility for condemning Jesus. This also reflects the lack of genuine justice in the proceedings, where political considerations take precedence over truth.
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Herod’s mocking of Jesus is a sign of his lack of genuine curiosity about Jesus’ mission. Instead of seeking truth or understanding, he hoped to witness a spectacle—a miracle to entertain him. Jesus’ refusal to answer or perform for Herod demonstrates His commitment to His mission and His refusal to be manipulated by those in power.
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Jesus’ silence in the face of false accusations is profound. He did not need to defend Himself because His mission was not to engage in worldly disputes but to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. His silence underscores His obedience to God’s will and serves as an example of how to endure suffering without retaliating.
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Pilate and Herod both acted out of political expediency, choosing self-preservation over truth. Their actions challenge us to examine our own decisions—do we act out of a desire to maintain control, avoid conflict, or protect our position, even at the cost of justice? Jesus’ example calls us to a deeper commitment to truth, even when it costs us personally.
