The answer is: Herod

Luke 23:7

In the captivating account of Jesus' trial, Pilate's sending Jesus to Herod unfurls like a dramatic subplot in a grand play. After digging into his motives, Pilate desired to wash his hands of the situation as much as the story of his handwashing later suggests. This moment adds layers to the narrative because both political figures, Pilate and Herod, represent different facets of secular authority grappling with a spiritual conflict.

Now, why Herod? During Jesus' life, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, was no mere puppet king. He was famous for his role in the execution of John the Baptist—just a taste of his complicated character. Think of it: two of the most notorious figures of the New Testament, brought together in the first complex political machination involving Jesus. And wouldn’t you know it? Both Pilate and Herod had no expectation of the monumental event Jesus was part of; they were steeped in power struggles of their own.

Interestingly enough, after Herod had a chance to questions Jesus, even sending him back to Pilate robed like a king, he felt no guilt in this encounter. In his silence thereby, one can’t help but notice a peculiar parallel: much like Jesus, who went quiet before his accusers, these political figures embody their own dilemmas about authority and judgment. Thus, in the larger picture, these moments highlight how Jesus' life was woven into the fragile fabric of power, potent enough to reshape mankind for generations to come!