Grace and Space

Lk 9:7-9

Who is Jesus: The section serves two purposes in Luke’s Gospel. First, it functions to raise the question of Jesus’ identity. In Mark’s Gospel, Herod believes that Jesus is John, who “has been raised up” (Mk 6:16). Luke, however, places this opinion on the lips of others. “John I beheaded,” Herod declares (9:9). The question of Jesus’ identity remains. For Luke, Jesus’ mission hangs on his identity, which is further explored throughout chapter nine of this Gospel.
Second, the section prepares the reader for two parts of the Gospel which follow. In Lk 13:31-33, Jesus is warned that Herod wants to kill him. He calls Herod a fox and declares that not even the fear of death can impede his mission—rejection, suffering, death, and resurrection—in Jerusalem. In Lk 23:8-12, Pilate sends Jesus to Herod, a section unique to Luke’s Gospel. Herod is extremely pleased when he sees Jesus; he has been wanting to see him for a long time because he has heard about him and is hoping to see him perform some sign. After questioning Jesus, Herod’s curiosity remains unsatisfied. Herod never learns the true identity of Jesus.
By this portrayal of Herod, the author of this Gospel raises this question for the reader: Who is Jesus? In the episode about the feeding of the five thousand, which follows this section, Luke declares that Jesus is the one in whom God’s power is present and the one through whom God provides for the needs of his people. Throughout the rest of this chapter, Luke will provide the reader with other answers to the question.