When Pilate … learned that [Jesus] belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him over to Herod … [Herod] had long desired to see Him, because he had heard about Him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by Him. [Jesus] made no answer. … And Herod with his soldiers treated Him with contempt and mocked Him. Then, arraying Him in splendid clothing, he sent Him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other.
(Luke 23:6a, 7b, 8b, 9b, 11-12 ESV)
There’s something twisted in this little story. Pilate doesn’t want to be responsible for Jesus, even though judgment is his job. He knows Jesus ought to be set free, but he also knows he hasn’t got the courage to do it and take the consequences. So Pilate is delighted to hand Jesus over to Herod.
Herod isn’t interested in judging Jesus rightly either. He’s just looking for a miracle show—and he doesn’t get it. So he mocks Jesus and sends Him back.
And the result of all this? Pilate and Herod become friends, almost literally over Jesus’ dead body. How twisted is that?
I wish this was a rare situation in our world, but it’s not. People do this—we duck our responsibilities, we ignore what we’re supposed to do in favor of protecting ourselves or even finding a little amusement. And so the innocent are condemned.
But God uses even this. Jesus in His innocence is ignored, traded around, and finally condemned—and we, the guilty ones, are set free. Jesus lovingly takes our place under judgment, and gives us forgiveness and life through His own death. And when He rises to life, three days later, He shares that life with all of us who trust in Him.
We Pray: Thank You, Lord, for making me Yours forever. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
• Do innocent people always get proper judgment in the courts?
• Why do you think as you do?
• With Jesus, do you ever have to worry about God’s judgment again?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on March 14, 2026
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved