Herod the Fox

Day 100: Luke 13:22-35, 14:1-16

“And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course."' - Luke 13:32

What did Jesus mean by calling Herod Antipas a fox? It definitely wasn't a term of endearment. Many believe Jesus was calling him sly, worthless, or inconsequential. This was a bold thing for Jesus to say about the most powerful man in the region of Galilee (where Jesus grew up).

Herod was also the one who was responsible for John the Baptist's imprisonment and death (see Luke 3:1, 9:9). And we all know how we feel about people who mistreat our family members (John was Jesus' cousin). Check out the following quote:

“Antipas also had family issues that proved to be his undoing. He divorced his first wife, Phasaelis, the daughter of King Aretas IV of Nabatea, and then married his niece Herodias, who had previously been married to two of Antipas’s half-brothers. This incurred the criticism of the popular Galilean prophet John the Baptist and drew a military reprisal from Aretas, whose victory over Antipas was regarded by many as God’s punishment for Antipas’s execution of John the Baptist.”
- The New Testament in Its World, N. T. Wright & Michael F. Bird, Page 270

It seems what Jesus is really trying to say is that what Herod said, thought, or did had no consequence on His mission. Not even the most powerful man in his home area would be able to deter Jesus from His journey toward death and resurrection. Everything that happened during Jesus' final weeks was to happen on His terms.

Today you may feel pinned down by those around you or those in authority over you. Always keep in mind that Jesus is the ruler of all, and what our Savior thinks of us is of the highest consequence both now and for all eternity.