It is possible for people to have an interest in Jesus Christ that is no more than carnal indulgence. They rejoice at a church service because they may see some novel display, or hear of some extraordinary thing, and have their senses titillated. What a terrible waste of opportunity has taken place when this happens. With what self-recrimination a man will chastise himself later, when he discovers his blindness, and his failure to use his proximity to the gospel to gain what he really needs. But how can someone who has such little insight into their own real needs gain any real profit from the gospel. No wonder Christ tells his hears again and again: ‘He that hath ears to hear, let him hear’ (Matthew 11:15). Do we realise out tendency to hear God’s word without profit? Do we grieve at our own dullness, and pray earnestly for hearing ears? Given this attitude, Herod was not going to receive anything from the Lord. He thought he was in control of the situation, but he was a prisoner to his ignorance.