How can we discern genuine interest in Jesus from mere curiosity? Setting the Scene “Now Herod was delighted to see Jesus. For a long time he had wanted to see Him, because he had heard many things about Jesus, and he was hoping to see Him perform a sign.” (Luke 23:8) Herod’s excitement sounds positive—yet moments later he mocks the Lord and sends Him back to Pilate in scorn (vv. 11-12). This brief encounter helps us recognize the difference between shallow curiosity and a heart that truly seeks Jesus. Curiosity on Display: Herod’s Example • Interest built on rumors and spectacle: “he had heard many things” • Desire for entertainment: “hoping to see Him perform a sign” • No intention of obeying or submitting • Ends in mockery, not worship (vv. 11-12) Markers of Mere Curiosity • Thrill-seeking rather than truth-seeking (John 6:26-27) • Consumes spiritual experiences without personal commitment (Matthew 13:20-21) • Keeps Jesus at arm’s length—asking for signs but resisting repentance (Matthew 12:38-39) • Fades when cost or conviction appears (John 6:66) • Evaluates Jesus by personal benefit instead of bowing to His lordship (Acts 8:18-21) Signs of Genuine Seeking • Humble approach and willing to be taught – Nicodemus begins in cautious curiosity (John 3:1-2) yet later defends Jesus (John 7:50-51) and openly honors His body (John 19:39-40) • Active pursuit of understanding Scripture – Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true” (Acts 17:11) • Readiness to respond in obedience – Ethiopian official asks for baptism immediately after grasping Isaiah’s prophecy (Acts 8:30-36) • Repentance and transformation – Zacchaeus meets Jesus with eagerness then pledges restitution and generosity (Luke 19:3-9) • Persevering faith that endures testing – “The one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) Practical Discernment Today Watch for fruit, not flash: • Does the person open Scripture eagerly and accept its authority? • Is there confession of sin and desire for change? • Do conversations move from “what can Jesus do for me?” to “how can I follow Him?” • Is worship expressed even when miracles are not granted? • Are they willing to count the cost—relationships, reputation, resources—for Christ’s sake? Guarding Our Own Hearts • Regularly test our motives: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) • Seek Jesus Himself, not just His blessings (Philippians 3:8) • Cultivate obedience in small, unseen areas; genuine interest proves itself over time (Luke 16:10) • Welcome the refining work of trials, which expose whether faith is real (1 Peter 1:6-7) Encouragement to Engage the Curious • Offer clear gospel truth; curiosity can become conviction when Scripture is presented (Romans 10:17) • Share personal testimony of Christ’s transforming power, pointing beyond experiences to the cross (Galatians 2:20) • Pray for the Spirit to move hearts from fascination to faith (John 16:8) Herod’s moment of curiosity ended in rejection, but the examples of Nicodemus, Zacchaeus, and countless others remind us that genuine seekers will be found by the Savior who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). |
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