Herod’s Perplexity About Jesus (Luke 9:7-9)
Introduction to Luke 9:7–9
In Luke 9:7–9, King Herod hears of Jesus’ miraculous works and growing popularity, leading him to question the identity of this man who has sparked so much attention. Despite hearing multiple theories about Jesus’ nature—some say He is John the Baptist returned from the dead, others believe He is Elijah or another prophet—Herod remains perplexed and troubled. This passage offers a window into the confusion and fear surrounding Jesus’ identity, not just for Herod, but for many who encounter Jesus throughout the Gospels.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Herod’s Perplexity About Jesus (Luke 9:7–9)
Luke 9:7
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead…”
In this opening verse, Herod, the tetrarch of Galilee, hears rumors about Jesus’ activities and miracles. The fact that people are connecting Jesus to John the Baptist—a man whom Herod had executed—stirs both confusion and fear in him. Herod’s guilt over John’s death likely amplifies his unease, as he begins to wrestle with the possibility that the man he had killed has returned in some form.
The use of the word “perplexed” here is key—it shows that Herod is not only confused but also troubled by the reports he’s hearing. Herod’s unease reveals the internal conflict he faces, torn between his power and guilt. The question of Jesus’ identity is not just an intellectual one for Herod—it’s deeply personal and uncomfortable, reminding him of his past decisions.
Luke 9:8
“…by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen.”
This verse highlights the variety of opinions circulating about Jesus’ true identity. The mention of Elijah is significant, as many Jews believed that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). Others speculated that Jesus might be another prophet from Israel’s past, come to restore the people. For Herod, this only adds to the mystery and fear—these are figures of immense power and authority, and Jesus is being compared to them.
By mentioning these theories, the Gospel shows how people were trying to make sense of Jesus’ extraordinary acts, but in doing so, they miss the full truth of who He is. They could see His power, but they failed to understand the divine purpose behind it.
Luke 9:9
“Herod said, ‘I beheaded John; what then is this about whom I hear such things?’ And he sought to see him.”
In this moment, Herod’s confusion and fear culminate. His words reveal a deep personal dilemma: he is haunted by the knowledge that he had ordered John the Baptist’s death, and now he is confronted with the possibility that Jesus is somehow connected to John’s return. Herod’s curiosity grows to the point where he is determined to see Jesus for himself, perhaps in the hope of resolving the mystery or confronting the man who has so deeply disturbed him.
The fact that Herod seeks to see Jesus is telling—it suggests that his perplexity is not just intellectual, but driven by a deeper, emotional response. He is not just looking for answers; he is seeking resolution for his own troubled conscience. This mirrors the way many people today react to Jesus—not merely as a figure to be understood but as a challenge to their own lives and actions.
The Fear of Losing Control
Herod’s perplexity about Jesus is rooted in more than just confusion about His identity. It is also a fear of losing control. Herod’s power is founded on his ability to manipulate and maintain the status quo. But Jesus represents something far beyond Herod’s ability to control or contain. The Gospel repeatedly shows that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, and that His rule will not conform to earthly expectations. For Herod, this is a threat—a threat not only to his power but to his carefully constructed reality.
Much like Herod, many people today fear what Jesus represents. His call for radical change, for surrender, and for a new way of life, challenges the control we so desperately try to maintain. The tension between our desire for control and the invitation to surrender to God’s plan is a central theme in this passage. Herod’s story warns us that attempting to keep Jesus confined to our own understanding—our own version of who He should be—leads to confusion and turmoil.
The Gospel’s Call to Let Go of Control
Unlike Herod, who tries to understand Jesus within the context of his own power and guilt, the Gospel invites us to let go of our need for control. Jesus calls us to trust Him, to surrender our lives to Him, and to follow Him on His terms, not ours. The fear of losing control is one of the greatest obstacles to truly experiencing the peace and freedom that come from living in Christ’s kingdom.
Herod’s confusion serves as a cautionary tale for us today. We may struggle with the same questions about who Jesus is, but unlike Herod, we are called to seek Jesus with open hearts, willing to let go of our need for answers that fit neatly into our own categories.
Other New Testament Connections
This passage echoes other New Testament moments where people wrestle with the identity of Jesus. In John 18:33–38, Pilate, like Herod, questions Jesus about His identity but cannot comprehend the nature of His kingship. Similarly, in Matthew 27:11–14, Pilate asks Jesus if He is the King of the Jews, and Jesus’ silence is a powerful testament to His divine mission. These encounters show that the question of Jesus’ identity is central to the Gospel narrative.
Jesus’ true identity also challenges those around Him in the Gospel of John. For instance, in John 3:1–10, Nicodemus struggles to understand Jesus’ words about being born again, while in John 7:25–31, the people wrestle with whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Just as Herod is perplexed, so too are others in the New Testament who encounter the reality of Jesus’ nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why was Herod perplexed about Jesus?
Herod was perplexed because he heard various rumors about Jesus, including that He might be John the Baptist resurrected, Elijah, or another ancient prophet. His confusion was amplified by his guilt over having John killed.
2. What can we learn from Herod’s response to Jesus?
Herod’s confusion about Jesus shows that people often struggle to understand Jesus within their own frameworks. Herod’s fear of losing control and his guilt over John’s death prevented him from truly grasping who Jesus was. We can learn to approach Jesus with humility, acknowledging that His identity transcends our expectations.
3. How does this passage relate to the rest of the New Testament?
The confusion surrounding Jesus’ identity is a recurring theme in the Gospels. In other places, like with Pilate and the Pharisees, we see similar struggles to understand Jesus. These moments highlight the mystery and divine nature of Jesus that challenge worldly expectations.
4. Who are the Herods in the New Testament?
The New Testament mentions several Herods, all part of the same family but different individuals. The Herod mentioned in this passage is Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great. Herod the Great is the king who ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas is the one who executed John the Baptist (Mark 6:27). Other Herods in the New Testament include Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12), who persecuted early Christians, and his son, Herod Agrippa II (Acts 25–26), who interacted with Paul. All of these Herods played roles in the political landscape of the time, but they each had their own distinct stories and connections to Jesus and the early church.
Read More
For deeper insights into related topics, check out these passages:
• John the Baptist in Luke 3:1-20
• John the Baptist Questions Jesus
