It’s such a strange detail to find in the midst of the crucifixion story, isn’t it? Luke 23:12 – “That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies.” Herod and Pilate—two powerful men who couldn’t stand each other—suddenly becoming friends. What could possibly unite two enemies like that?
Jesus.
But not in the way we’d expect.
Herod and Pilate didn’t link arms in a moment of faith or repentance. No, they found common ground in their rejection of Jesus. Their newfound friendship wasn’t rooted in righteousness but in their shared decision to dismiss the Saviour standing right in front of them. And yet, even in this messy, heartbreaking scene, I see a reminder of something deep: The cross holds the power to bring reconciliation, even in the most unlikely places.
But here’s the thing we can’t miss—there are two kinds of reconciliation. One is surface-level, like Herod and Pilate’s fragile alliance. It’s peace that’s more about convenience than conviction, about avoiding conflict rather than truly healing it. The other kind is the deep, soul-healing reconciliation Jesus died to bring. It’s the kind that requires humility, forgiveness, and the willingness to let Jesus do the hard work of softening our hearts.
And let’s be honest, that kind of reconciliation is hard. Really hard.
There have been moments in my life when I’ve clung to bitterness like it was a shield, protecting me from the hurt someone caused. I’ve rehearsed arguments in my mind, built walls around my heart, and convinced myself that peace wasn’t possible.
But then Jesus whispers, “Look at the cross.”
The cross doesn’t just invite us to be reconciled to God—it compels us to be reconciled to one another. It’s where Jesus laid down His life so we could lay down our pride. It’s where He forgave the unforgivable so we could do the same.
So, what do we do with this?
Maybe for you, reconciliation looks like reaching out to someone you’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’s offering forgiveness to someone who hasn’t even asked for it. Or maybe it’s simply starting with prayer—asking God to soften your heart and help you see that person the way He does.
Herod and Pilate became friends in the shadow of the cross, but their connection was shallow and short-lived. Let’s not settle for that. Let’s allow the power of the cross to do what only it can—heal what’s broken, restore what’s lost, and bring true reconciliation.
Dear Jesus,
I want my heart to reflect Your love and grace. Show me where I’m holding on to bitterness or pride, and help me lay it at Your feet. Reconcile me to the people I’ve distanced myself from, and teach me to forgive as You’ve forgiven me. Thank You for the power of the cross, where true peace is found. Amen.