The Ultimate Lazy Response

Scripture: Herod, the ruler, heard of these goings on and didn’t know what to think. There were people saying John had come back from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, still others that some prophet of long ago had shown up. Herod said, “But I killed John—took off his head. So who is this that I keep hearing about?” Curious, he looked for a chance to see him in action. Luke 9:7-9

Observation: Herod hears all that Jesus and the disciples are doing. These reports include miraculous works and major teaching events, with the possibility that Jesus himself is a great prophet. Herod knows Jesus is not John reincarnate, but other than that this entire issue raises his curiosity. As a response, Herod ... looks for a chance to see Jesus in action.

Jesus is everywhere, and people have total unrestricted access to him. In the previous passage, Jesus was in the midst of large crowds and doing his deeds so publicly that a woman was healed by him practically on accident. Herod could likely take a 1-2 day trip in a royal caravan and see Jesus, no problem at all, but while normal citizens will walk that distance just for a chance to touch Jesus, Herod won't make even that minimal effort. Yes, Herod is curious about Jesus, and as king he should be given the fact that some would believe that Jesus' teachings are radical or at the very least miraculous and historically meaningful. Instead, he "looks for a chance to see him in action" without taking any action at all to try to see Jesus.

Application: Herod exhibits the ultimate lazy response to Jesus ... being curious, but not taking even the most minimal of actions to learn anything more or satisfy that curiosity. I have known people who are curious about faith, and who take no action at all to learn more about Jesus, God, or any related element.

Most people will do something when they are seeking answers to life. Even when they seek it in the wrong place - spiritualism, false religions, or some earthly pleasurable practice - they will act and even study to explore the topic. And yes, discovering faith in Jesus involves action, either by learning and/or declaring such faith. However, every once in a while I have seen someone who says they are 'curious' and does literally nothing to satisfy that curiosity.

This may be one of the most unfaithful responses to Jesus ... and understanding that he represents something crucially important and meaningful, and not lifting a finger to explore what that might mean for one's life.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today in celebration for the baptisms we saw yesterday at church. Eleven people took action, discovered their faith in Jesus, and responded. I hope the celebration in heaven is still ringing this morning. May your hand be upon their lives, as they acted in response to hearing about Jesus. Amen.