“And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” (Luke 23:12 ESV).
Luke recorded for his readers that Pontius Pilate and Herod Antipas became friends on the very day Jesus stood trial. Previously, these two rulers had been at odds, likely due to political tension between their jurisdictions. Pilate governed Judea, while Herod ruled Galilee. When Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, he acknowledged Herod’s authority over Galilean matters. Herod received this gesture favorably, and their prior hostility gave way to cooperation. Yet Luke showed that this new alliance was not built on truth or justice, but on their shared handling of Jesus. In this moment, ancient prophecy was fulfilled, for David had written that the kings of the earth would unite against the Lord and His Anointed in Psalm 2. What appeared to be political convenience was actually part of God’s sovereign plan, even though these rulers did not understand it.
We recognize that there are moments when worldly powers seem to unite in ways that feel overwhelming to us as believers. Like the early church in Acts, we can feel the pressure of opposition and the weight of threats against the mission of Christ. Yet this passage reminds us that even when rulers align against Jesus, they are never outside of God’s control. Their actions, though intended for evil, are still woven into His sovereign plan. Therefore, instead of being overcome with fear, we can respond as the first-century believers did. We can bring our concerns before the Lord and say, “Lord, look upon their threats” (Acts 4:29). We can entrust the outcome to Him, believing that He is able to handle every authority and power. At the same time, we do not retreat from our calling. We ask God to strengthen us to continue speaking His Word with boldness. When the world seems to conspire against us, we do not shrink back, but we trust God’s rule and press forward in faithful obedience.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we can feel overwhelmed when opposition rises against us. Remind us that You are sovereign over every authority. Look upon the threats around us and handle them according to Your will. Give us courage not to be discouraged nor retreat, but to continue speaking Your Word with boldness. Strengthen our hearts to trust Your plan and remain faithful to Your calling. In Jesus’ name, amen.