Vincent van Gogh, Still Life with a Plate of Onions, 1889
Hey Salt & Light Friends,
Have you ever found yourself questioning the truth behind rumors? In a world filled with noise, discerning reality can be challenging.
Recently, YoungHoon Kim, who holds the world’s highest IQ (276), made a bold declaration:
This powerful statement echoes John 14:6: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
In this section of Luke, we will explore the rumors that reached a ruler long ago—rumors that left him wondering: Are these rumors true?
Devotional: Luke 9:7-9
“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.” - Luke 9:7-9
Meet Herod Antipas
Let’s dive into the story of Herod Antipas, whom I’ll refer to as H.A.T.T. for simplicity. With six different Herod’s recorded in the Bible, this acronym helps keep things clear.
H.A.T.T.’s background:
H.A.T.T. was a Roman Governor over Galilee and Perea, inheriting part of his father’s (Herod the Great) kingdom. In those days, governors were known as Tetrarchs or Rulers of a Region. H.A.T.T. was born into a wealthy political family with close ties to the Caesars of Rome.
Education and Family Background
Educated in Rome, H.A.T.T. experienced a dysfunctional upbringing. His father had eight wives and fourteen children, and was infamous for his actions during the birth of Christ (Matthew 2:16). H.A.T.T.’s mother was a Samaritan named Mathace. After his father’s death, the kingdom was divided into four sections, with H.A.T.T. assuming control of Galilee, where he would rule for forty years.
Rumors of a Savior
Imagine the rumors reaching Herod Antipas in the evening, unsettling his spirit and troubling his soul. His household manager, Chuza ((Luke 8:3)), might have approached him, saying:
“Jesus of Nazareth is raising the dead! He gives sight to the blind, heals the sick, and performs miracles beyond coincidence. They are calling him Lord!”
In those days, referring to someone as “Lord” held significant weight. For more insight, check out Substacker Andre Moubarak recent post on the Aramaic word for “Lord.”
Can anything good come from Nazareth
Herod Antipas may have responded with, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46).
The rumors about Jesus struck deeply. The thought of raising the dead likely pierced H.A.T.T.’s conscience. Could John the Baptist be brought back to life? Would his sins—adultery and murder—be exposed (Numbers 32:23)?
H.A.T.T. feared losing his power and reputation. He did not like being exposed by the light, and neither does anyone.
Map of Herod Antipas rule in 1st Century Galilee:
As H.A.T.T. absorbed the rumors about Jesus, his mind raced with questions: If the dead could be raised, what did that mean for him? His new wife, Herodias, held a grudge against John the Baptist for calling out their sins. H.A.T.T. believed he had settled accounts by executing John, but now the specter of resurrection loomed over his past.
Herodias with the Head of St. John the Baptist by Paul Delaroche, 1843
Troubled by the ministry of Jesus
Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed….
H.A.T.T. hears unsettling rumors:
“Rumors of the Son of Man, Stories of a Savior,
Holiness with human hands,
Treasure for the traitor.
No ear had heard, no eye had seen, The image of the Father,
Until heaven came to live with me, A rescue like no other.”
— Lyrics of Worthy of Your Name by Passion Music.
Not everyone wants to hear good news. For some, the good news is a threat. It brings light, and in dark hearts, that light is not welcomed.
The good news threatened H.A.T.T.’s self-sufficiency, sense of worth, throne, and the exposure of his sins.
H.A.T.T.’s heart was perplexed at the rumors of Jesus.
What Do You Think of Jesus?
What do you think of Jesus? How do this story of Herod Antipas (H.A.T.T.) resonate with your own experiences and beliefs? Are you ready to take a step towards faith in Jesus?
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References / Resources:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” - 2nd Peter 3:9
Herod - There are fifty one (x51) mentions of a person named Herod in the New Testament spanning over the course of fifty plus years. They are not all the same person but all part of the same political family, these are the Herod’s referenced in the Bible: Herod The Great’s Family Tree (Credit: Biblical Archaeology Society.)
Six Different Herod’s: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Herod Archelaus, Herod Philip, Herod Agrippa I & Herod Agrippa.
Herod The Great’s Family Tree (Credit: Biblical Archaeology Society.)
Herodias - 2nd wife of Herod Antipas (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Herodias with the Head of St. John the Baptist by Paul Delaroche, 1843. Nursed a grudge against John the Baptist (Mark 6:19).
World’s highest IQ holder declares Christian faith: “Jesus Christ Is God”. The Gospel Herald Ministries, June 20, 2025.
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