But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him. Luke 9:9
Herod the tetrarch was a powerful man. It was at his command that John the Baptist was thrown into prison. It was again his words that sentenced John to death. When Herod heard about Jesus, he was intrigued. Luke writes that Herod tried to see Jesus, but I have a question: If Herod was so powerful, why do we not read stories about Herod arranging a meeting with Jesus? If he really wanted to see Him, wouldn't it have happened? (Luke later writes of their meeting on the day of Jesus' death, and we see Herod's motive. He had hoped to see a miracle performed. Interestingly, the greatest miracle of all time was performed that day: the redemption for all mankind. And Herod missed it.)
My guess is that Herod wanted to see Jesus - but on his own terms. He probably tried to have Jesus brought to him rather than going to where He was. Everywhere Jesus went, there were crowds. He was, and still is, a very public figure. But to see Him - to spend time with Him - requires us to go on His terms - to set aside our pride - to place ourselves under His authority. Herod wouldn't do that. He wouldn't let go of his pride to have an audience with the Son of God.
Lord, my pride gets in the way sometimes. Just as I'm sure Herod did, I demand to see You on my own terms. But You won't be manipulated. To see You requires humility. It requires that I set aside my agenda to follow Yours.
Help me, Jesus, to pick up my cross today and to follow You. I long to see You, but more than that, I long for others to see You in me.