King Herod had long desired to see Jesus (23:8). On the surface this seems admirable. Isn't it a good thing to desire Jesus? Normally, I would say, "Yes," but in this case the answer is, "No." Why did Herod desire to see Jesus? Because he hoped to see Jesus perform a miracle. Even that, in and of itself, is not completely wrong. However, you get the impression that the only reason that King Herod wanted to see Jesus was so that he might be entertained. This is the wrong reason to desire Jesus. This is made clear in that Herod was disappointed with Jesus, He simply didn't answer Herod. Let us desire Jesus for the proper reason and worship and glorify Him even if He doesn't give us what we were expecting!
The thief on the cross seems to be relegated in religious discussions to the lack of the necessity of baptism for salvation. However, there is much to be learned from his interaction with Christ (23:39-43). First, he knew he was a guilty sinner and Christ was innocent. Second, he asked in faith for salvation. Third, his request was granted far beyond what he imagined. He asked if Jesus would "remember him," and Jesus said "you will be with me." He asked that this remembrance take place in the future, "when you come into your kingdom," and Jesus said "Today!" He asked for remembrance in the "kingdom," and Jesus promised him "Paradise." Isn't that just like our Savior, giving us far more than we can ask or even think!
After Jesus' resurrection, there was much confusion (which doesn't really make sense since Jesus had told His disciples that this would happen time and time again). The two on the road to Emmaus were no exception. Jesus' communication with them consisted of connecting the "dots" from the OT revelation (Moses and the Prophets) to the realities of Himself. What wonderful teaching that must have been! When the eyes of these two were opened to understand that Jesus was indeed the one speaking to them, He disappeared. Their reaction wasn't one of amazement that He disappeared, but of astonishment concerning His teaching. Then, notice what they did--they went all the way back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples. It was already late (24:29), but they knew that such wonderful news needed to be delivered. What a wonderful pattern for us to follow--be urgent in spreading the good news about Jesus!
When Jesus appeared to His disciples, after proving to them that He was really there in person (e.g. showing His hands and feet, eating solid food), He opened their minds so that they might understand the Scriptures (once again, another proof of the need for divine illumination). Then, He lays out the Gospel message that these disciples are to be spreading. It consists of the facts of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It also consists of a call to repentance and a promise of forgiveness. Why is it that so many leave out that middle part? They proclaim the vicarious death, triumphant resurrection and loving forgiveness, but so often nothing is said of repentance. Yet, here it is in Christ's final directive to His disciples. Let's not neglect this important aspect of the proclamation of the Gospel!
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