And He Answered Him Nothing

Luke 23:9

Then Herod questioned with him in many words; but He answered him nothing.Gregory the Great Now Herod wished to make proof of Christ's fame, desiring to witness His miracles; for it follows, And when Herod saw Jesus, he was glad, &c. Theophylactus Not as though he was about to gain any benefit from the sight, but, seized with curiosity, he thought he should see that extraordinary man, of whose wisdom and wonderful works he had heard so much. He also wished to hear from His mouth what He could say. Accordingly he asks Him questions, making a sport of Him, and ridiculing Him. But Jesus, who performed all things prudently, and who, as David testifies, orders His words with discretion, thought it right in such a case to be silent. For a word uttered to one whom it profits nothing becomes the cause of his condemnation. Therefore it follows, But he answered him nothing. Ambrose He was silent and did nothing, for Herod's unbelief deserved not to see Him, and the Lord shunned display. And perhaps Herod is also meant to represent all the ungodly, who, if they have not believed the Law and the Prophets, cannot see Christ's wonderful works in the Gospel. Gregory the Great From these words we ought to derive a lesson, that whenever our hearers wish as if by praising us to gain knowledge from us, but not to change their own wicked course, we must be altogether silent, lest if from love of ostentation we speak God's word, both they who were guilty cease not to be so, and we who were not become so. And there are many things which betray the motive of a hearer, but one in particular, when they always praise what they hear, yet never follow what they praise. Gregory the Great The Redeemer therefore though questioned held His peace, and though expected to work miracles disdained to do so. And keeping Himself secretly within Himself, He left standing empty handed at the door those who wanted only an outward show, preferring to be openly regarded as insignificant by the proud, than be praised by the hollow voices of unbelievers. Hence it follows, And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.