Christ's persecutors had tried to measure His character by their own; they had represented Him as vile as themselves. But back of all the present appearance another scene intruded itself,--a scene which they will one day see in all its glory. There were some who trembled in Christ's presence. While the rude throng were bowing in mockery before Him, some who came forward for that purpose turned back, afraid and silenced. Herod was convicted. The last rays of merciful light were shining upon his sin-hardened heart. He felt that this was no common man; for divinity had flashed through humanity. At the very time when Christ was encompassed by mockers, adulterers, and murderers, Herod felt that he was beholding a God upon His throne.

Kristi forfølgere havde forsøgt at bedømme hans karakter i lighed med deres egen. De havde forestillet sig, at han var lige så ussel som de selv. Men bag ved alt det, der i øjeblikket skete, trængte et andet syn sig frem et syn, som de engang vil komme til at se i hele dets herlighed. Medens de rå menneskemasser hånende bøjede sig for ham, var der nogle af dem, der nærmede sig i den samme hensigt, som vendte om, ængstede og tavse. Herodes følte sig overbevist! De sidste stråler af nådens lys skinnede på hans af synden forhærdede sjæl. Han følte, at dette ikke var noget almindeligt menneske, thi det guddommelige havde flammet gennem det menneskelige. I selve det øjeblik, hvor Kristus var omringet af spottere, ægteskabsbrydere og mordere, følte Herodes, at han så en Gud på sin trone.