25th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 24th September 2020 — Gospel: Lk 9,7-9
In quest for personal verification
Herod’s question, “Who is this about whom I hear such things?” (9,9) stands in the series of questions regarding Jesus’ identity that are posed by many characters in the Lukan narrative. Pointing to Jesus’ Godly nature, the Scribes and Pharisees questioned, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies?” (5,21). In expectation of Jesus as Messiah, John the Baptist requested through his disciples, “Are you the coming one, or should we expect another?” (7,19). In questioning Jesus’ authority over sins, those reclining at table with him in Simon’s house raised, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” In amazement of Jesus’ authority over nature, the disciples expressed, “Who can this man be, since he even rebukes the winds and the water and they obey him?” (8,25). These questions focus the audience’s attention on Jesus, even when the speculations are not accurate.
Word about Jesus has even reached the palace of Herod and is getting attention there. Luke wishes to portray that those in the highest positions must also discern the identity of Jesus. Herod listens to the popular views of Jesus’ identity: as John had come back from the dead, as Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets had appeared (9,7-8). These responses also resurface to Jesus’ question about his identity in 9,18. These speculations have some basis in what has already taken place in the gospel. Luke mentions that the people have wondered if John “might be the Christ” (3,15). Jesus’ words (4,26) and actions (7,11-16) have recalled the ministry of Elijah, and the people glorified saying, “A great prophet has risen up” (7,16). Herod’s question expresses his curiosity to know more about Jesus’ identity. Like so many others, he is not jumping to conclusions, but is rather “perplexed” or “confused” (9,7). In fact, Herod is trying to sort out who Jesus is through physical verification, and so he desires to meet him.
