In what ways can we avoid the mockery seen in Matthew 27:44 today? Witnessing the Scene “In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him.” (Matthew 27:44) Why Mockery Happened at the Cross • Hearts already hardened by sin (Jeremiah 17:9) • Blindness to Jesus’ true identity (1 Corinthians 2:8) • A crowd mentality that feeds on scorn (Proverbs 29:20) How Mockery Shows Up Today • Open ridicule of Jesus, Scripture, or His people • Casual jokes that trivialize holy things • Living as though the cross makes no claim on daily choices (Hebrews 10:29) • Cynical attitudes that sneer at faith and obedience (2 Peter 3:3) Guarding the Heart First • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Daily repentance keeps the heart tender (1 John 1:9) • Gratitude for the cross fuels reverence (Colossians 3:15) Shaping Words That Honor • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up…” (Ephesians 4:29) • Refuse to share or laugh at Christ-belittling humor • Speak Scripture aloud; it reorients speech toward truth (Joshua 1:8) Choosing Actions That Reflect Faith • Obey promptly when Scripture speaks (John 14:21) • Serve Christ’s body, the church; mocking is impossible when you’re washing feet (Galatians 5:13) • Publicly identify with Jesus—baptism, testimony, visible discipleship (Matthew 10:32) Cultivating Humility and Awe • Meditate on Philippians 2:8-11; let Christ’s humbling move you to humble obedience • Remember that one criminal moved from mockery to faith (Luke 23:40-43). No one is beyond grace, including us. • Practice regular communion with a sober heart (1 Corinthians 11:26-28) Practical Daily Steps • Morning Scripture reading—start the day under God’s voice (Psalm 119:105) • Quick confession when sarcasm or irreverence slips in (James 5:16) • Seek friends who revere Christ; “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • Use music, art, and media that magnify Christ, not belittle Him (Philippians 4:8) • End each day recalling one reason the cross deserves honor; thanksgiving displaces mockery (Psalm 92:1-2) Mockery dies where reverence lives, and reverence flourishes where hearts stay close to the crucified and risen Lord. |
    |