How can we ensure our understanding of Jesus aligns with Scripture, unlike Herod's? Herod’s Confusion Versus Scriptural Clarity “Matthew 14:1: ‘At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus.’” Herod listened to rumors, political whispers, and superstitious fears. Because he never searched the Scriptures, his conclusions about Jesus were off-base and self-serving. What Went Wrong for Herod • He relied on second-hand information (Matthew 14:1–2; Luke 9:7–9). • He interpreted events through guilt and superstition, thinking Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead (Mark 6:14–16). • He refused to repent or submit to God’s Word, even when John confronted him (Matthew 14:3–4). Guardrails for a True View of Jesus • Start with Scripture, not speculation – John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.” – Acts 17:11: The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to verify” what they heard. • Read the whole counsel of God – Luke 24:27: Jesus explained “in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” • Take words at face value unless context clearly signals symbolism – Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” • Compare Scripture with Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:15: “Correctly handle the word of truth.” • Refuse to let culture, politics, or emotion rewrite what God has said – Colossians 2:8 warns against philosophy “not according to Christ.” • Stay teachable under faithful teachers – Ephesians 4:11–14 connects gifted teachers with protection from “every wind of doctrine.” • Test every claim about Jesus – 1 John 4:1: “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Key Passages to Keep Us Anchored • Isaiah 53 — Messiah’s suffering foretold • John 1:1-18 — Jesus’ deity and incarnation declared • Philippians 2:5-11 — His humility and exaltation described • Revelation 1:12-18 — His present glory revealed Living Out a Scripture-Shaped Knowledge • Daily Bible intake: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Memorize and meditate: Psalm 119:11. • Apply what you read: James 1:22. • Share truth accurately: 2 Corinthians 4:2, renouncing “secret and shameful ways.” • Stay humble: Proverbs 3:5–6—lean not on your own understanding. Following these practices keeps us from Herod’s error and brings us face-to-face with the real Jesus, exactly as Scripture presents Him. |
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