Fourth Sunday in Lent – Tuesday

The same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together, for before they were at enmity between themselves. – Luke 23:12.

When Pilate declared Jesus innocent, the enemies of Christ still persisted in bringing serious charges of sedition against Him. When Jesus said nothing to all these accusations, Pilate asked Him: “Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee?” (Matthew 27:13). “Answerest Thou nothing?” (Mark 15:4). But Jesus answered to never a word, insomuch that the governor marveled greatly (Matthew 27:14). At last the Jews said: “He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place” (Luke 23:5).

When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the Man were a Galilean. And when he knew that Jesus was of Galilee, and that, therefore, he belonged to the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, he sent Him to Herod, who was at Jerusalem at that time. 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 see some miracle done by Him. And he questioned Him in many words, but Jesus answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. And Herod, with his men of war, set Him at naught, and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe of white, and sent Him again to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before they were at enmity between themselves (Luke 23:6-12).

For so it is with the unbelieving world: when Jesus is the target, the most bitter earthly enemies become friends and join hands with each other in their shared opposition against Him. In a case like this, they fully understand each other and fully agree with one another; they are on the same side, united against Christ. O Christian, be and remain on Jesus’ side, though all the world is against Him and you. For with Jesus, and in Him alone, there is eternal salvation!

PRAYER. – Alas, Lord Jesus, how the world despises Thee! How do enemies join hands against Thee! But as for me, my Lord and Savior, continue to draw me more and more to Thee by Thy Word, and to the Holy Spirit, working through Thy Word, so that I may consistently side with Thee against all the scorn and contempt of the world, for one day Thou wilt let me see and partake of Thy glory. Amen.

Here I will stand beside Thee,

From Thee I will not part;

O Savior, do not chide me!

When breaks Thy loving heart,

When soul and body languish

In death’s cold, cruel grasp,

Then, in Thy deepest anguish,

Thee in mine arms I’ll clasp.

Hymn 172, 6. [TLH]