Gospel in Art: Herod the tetrarch was perplexed

The Curious (Die Neugierigen), by Eugen von Blaas 1897 © Sold Dorotheum, Vienna, 2 May 2023

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 25 September 2025
Luke 9:7-9

At that time: Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. Herod said, 'John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?' And he sought to see him.

Reflection on the Painting

The Herod we hear about in today's Gospel is Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. He ruled Galilee under Roman authority throughout the time of Jesus' public ministry, and he is the ruler who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. In this passage we are told that Herod was troubled, even intrigued, by what he heard about Jesus and that he wanted to see Him for himself. Luke's Gospel later records that Herod did in fact meet Jesus during the Passion, not before, when Pilate sent Him over for questioning. Yet, instead of responding with faith, Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus, dressing Him in a splendid robe as a cruel joke before sending Him back. His curiosity never deepened into belief.

For others, however, curiosity about Jesus did lead to faith. We think of Nicodemus coming to Him at night, or Zacchaeus climbing a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse. Both were very curious, and both found their lives transformed after meeting Jesus. Curiosity and a desire to know more can often be the beginning of real discipleship. Even those of us who already follow Christ will often feel that same longing to know Him better. Saint Paul, after meeting the risen Lord, could still say, "I want to know Christ." Jesus is always fascinating, always drawing us deeper, always making us more curious to know even more. Our searching may leave us puzzled at times, but it is precisely in that search that we come to know Him more fully.

Our painting from 1897 by Eugen Von Blaas is titled The Curious. And yes, it depicts two ladies climbing a ladder to see what is going on beyond the wall. That is what good curiosity is meant to do: to make us look to what lies beyond. The right hand gesture of the woman climbing the ladder is very tender, as if to hold off the other woman to climb the wall as well. She has to be patient before she can also see what is going on. The painting reminds me of our journey with Christ: often, we climb, wanting to reach beyond and see things, while others beside us support and cheer us on. That is the role of the community, to hold our ladders steadfast so we can continue to climb to the beyond. Faith isn't a solo ascent, it is always a shared journey.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-9-7-9-2025/