Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him. (Lk 9:7-9)
Jesus’ preaching and activities were very much like that of John the Baptist. Many thought that Jesus continued the activities of John the Baptist. This was also because Jesus started his ministry only when John had completed or only after John had died. This was the reason why they believed that John had been raised from the dead.
Jesus’ preaching and activities were like that of the prophets in general. He was preaching about the belief in one God and equality and justice among people. Equality and justice should make the people one. In effect Jesus was trying to make the people as the Israelites when they left Egypt. When the people came out of Egypt they came out with one slogan: one people, one God.
Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. Now the same preaching and same activities are seen in the person of Jesus. This was the reason why Herod believed that it was John the Baptist. Herod was planning to see Jesus because he wanted to make sure for himself whether what he believed was true.
