While Jesus was on trial before Pilate, the governor learned that He was from Galilee (Luke 23:5-7). This gave Pilate an opportunity to pass the responsibility for judging the case on to someone else. Since Galilee was in “Herod’s jurisdiction,” Pilate sent Jesus to him.
Interestingly, Herod was eager to see Jesus. Luke explained why: “Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing” (Luke 23:8-9).
Herod’s interest in Jesus was not to dispense justice, nor was it to learn of the message Jesus was teaching. Instead, Herod simply wanted to be amazed – similar to what we hope to see if we watch a magician perform. Yet this was not why Jesus came. He came to teach the truth and offer His life as a sacrifice for sins, not to perform tricks for people.
Since Herod did not get the show he wanted, he treated Jesus with contempt, mocked Him, and sent Him back to Pilate (Luke 23:11). Sadly, we can be guilty of doing the same thing when we are interested in the amazing things Jesus did but disregard His sacrifice and message.
So remember that Jesus did not come to entertain. We need to see Him as more than just one who performed amazing works. We must see Him and submit to Him as the Son of God.