John Calvin Commentary Luke 23:8

"Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was of a long time desirous to see him, because he had heard concerning him; and he hoped to see some miracle done by him." — Luke 23:8 (ASV)

And when Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad. From this it is evident how greatly wicked men are intoxicated, or rather bewitched, by their own pride; for though Herod did not acknowledge Christ as the Son of God, he at least regarded him as a prophet. It was therefore a most unreasonable cruelty to take pleasure in seeing him treated with contempt and disdain. But, as if an injury had been done to him for as long as he had not seen Christ, when he now sees him placed in his power, Herod triumphs as if he had won a victory.

We also see what kind of love is cherished by wicked and irreligious men for prophets, in whom the power of God shines brightly. Herod had long wished to see Christ. Why then did he not wish to hear him, so that he might benefit from his teaching? It was because he preferred to amuse himself by beholding the divine power, rather than to view it, as he should have, with devout and humble reverence.

And this is the disposition of the flesh: to desire to see God in his works, yet not submit to his authority; to desire to see his servants, yet refuse to hear God speaking through them. Even Herod, though he hoped that some miracle would be performed by Christ, chose to have him placed at his feet as a wrongdoer rather than to receive him as a teacher. We should not be surprised, therefore, if God conceals his glory from wicked men, who wanted him to contribute to their amusement, like some actor.