When a government sends one of its most promising envoys to a distant land, it has to take certain precautions, especially if the foreign government is hostile.
To that end, Jesus and his mission were hidden until the very end of his life to all except his most trusted companions, his disciples. Even then, they had trouble seeing him for who he really was.
The Jews? They never saw the true Jesus. Instead, they were frightened by who they thought he might be.
The court of Herod was equally fearful of Jesus, but for other reasons. Herod had dallied with his brother’s wife, and at her conniving, Herod had killed a man he knew to be just and holy, John the Baptist. Herod’s deed tormented him to the point that he saw John in every holy man he met.
Mark 6:14-16 reveals Herod’s view of Jesus, Undercover Agent.
Verse 14:
Jesus’ name was spread abroad, with tales of mighty works in his name.
Jesus did not call himself John. However, his disguise was so complete that Herod only saw John in the works of Jesus.
Verse 15:
Many in Herod’s court claimed that Jesus was Elijah or perhaps even a new prophet come to speak the Lord’s Word before the Jews.
No one saw through Jesus, Undercover Agent. His true identity was invisible to them.
Verse 16:
Herod trembled, repeating over and over, “This is John, the man whom I beheaded.”
Jesus and John had existed side-by-side, cousins, for many years. Yet, Herod was convinced they were one and the same.
Jesus’ disguise was impenetrable in Herod's eyes.
How do we see Jesus? Is he no more than a dead prophet, one whose influence faded with his death on the cross, or has his true mission been revealed to us?
Jesus reveals himself to those who wish to know him, for he desires that all should come to salvation in him.
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