A man who gained all things but end up unhappy

Tetrarch Herod (Herod Antipas) was the son of the fourth wife of Herod the Great, and after his father’s death, he became ruler of Galilee and Perea. He had an affair with the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip and later married her. But because John the Baptist condemned him for this sin, he imprisoned John. In the end, he had John beheaded (ref. Matt. 14:1-12). Word reached Herod about Jesus, who was performing wondrous works in his territory of Galilee. He was greatly perplexed. An indescribable fear came upon him. Herod asked himself, “Has John the Baptist been raised from the dead?” Herod was a man who had gained almost everything he desired such as status, wealth, and women, yet he could not find happiness. What is your definition of a successful life? The Bible defines it this way: “He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

A man who only thinks but doesn’t act

There were various speculations about Jesus. Some said, “Elijah had appeared,” while others said, “One of the prophets of old had risen.” All of these speculations arose from the expectation of the coming of the Messiah (ref. Mal. 4:5). Since Herod had been acquainted with John the Baptist, he was determined to meet this Jesus and find out who He really was. However, Herod was a “man who only thinks but never acts.” Herod met Jesus in Luke 23:8. At that time, Herod was staying in Jerusalem, and when Pilate heard of it, he sent Jesus to him. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad but only because he hoped to see some miracle performed by Him. What a worldly man Herod was. Jesus did not answer any of his questions. There are many who only think without acting, and many who try to approach Jesus with an arrogant attitude. Yet such people can never receive a word from the Lord. Now, let us offer praise and thanksgiving to Jesus, the King of kings.