Who were the Herodians in the New Testament?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

A variety of political groups existed in the first century AD. One of these was the Herodians, a group that supported the Roman leader, King Herod Antipas, who reigned from 4 BC to AD 39. The Herodians were known for their desire to submit to Herod and his rule in exchange for political favor and peace. Unlike the Pharisees and others who wanted Israel to follow the teachings of the Torah apart from the influence of the Romans, Herodians were willing to work with this outside government in more pragmatic ways. God calls us to follow Him above all else (Matthew 6:24–26).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Herodians are not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Herodians were the opposite extreme of the Zealots of the time, who believed God alone should lead Israel and turned to activism and military opposition to end Roman control.
• In the New Testament, there is mention of an occasion that united the Herodians and the Pharisees—their common hatred of Jesus. Shortly after Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, Mark 3:6 says, "The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him [Jesus], how to destroy him."
• In Mark 8:15, Jesus warned about Herod and his followers: "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." Those who followed Herod were willing to compromise to achieve personal gain. They even sought to kill Jesus when He posed a threat to their ways. Jesus warned against their false teachings, knowing their hearts and plans.
• Later in Matthew 22:16, the Pharisees "sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians" in an attempt to trick Jesus through a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus gave an answer that amazed them, so they left (Matthew 22:22).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Today there is still the temptation to choose what is socially acceptable or personally beneficial above God's ways. Some will even seek to harm others who could cause problems to their personal achievements as the Herodians did with Jesus. However, God's desire is for all to be saved through faith in Christ (John 3:16–18) and for His followers to seek to serve others as an example of His love (Mark 10:42–45; John 13:34–35).

UNDERSTAND

• The Herodians and the Zealots represented opposite extremes in their approach to Roman rule in Israel. While the Zealots advocated for God alone to lead Israel and engaged in activism and military opposition against Roman control, the Herodians were more willing to compromise and collaborate with Roman authorities, including King Herod, for personal gain.
• Despite their differences, the Herodians and the Pharisees found common ground in their opposition to Jesus and plotted against Him.
• Jesus cautioned His disciples against the teachings and attitudes of both the Pharisees and the Herodians and negatively likened their influence to leaven.

REFLECT

• Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between following your convictions and seeking personal gain. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
• Consider Jesus' warning about the "leaven of the Herodians and Pharisees" and think about any modern-day influences that might lead you to compromise your faith. How can you stay vigilant against these influences?
• In what areas of your life might you be tempted to prioritize social acceptance or personal benefits over God's teachings? How can you realign your priorities to follow God more closely?

ENGAGE

• Although politics are important, how can we prioritize following God and His ways instead of trusting in a political movement or party?
• What can we learn from the example of the Herodians about the dangers of compromising with worldly powers?
• Despite their differences, the Herodians and Pharisees united in their opposition to Jesus. What does this tell us about people and the power of common goals, both positive and negative? In the various groups in which we take part, how can we ensure group unity serves God’s purposes rather than opposes them?