How can we avoid mocking or dismissing Jesus in our daily lives? The Scene in Luke 23:11 “Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in a splendid robe, they sent Him back to Pilate.” Recognizing Modern Mockery Even without shouting insults, it is possible to echo Herod’s contempt. Mockery can surface when we: - Treat Christ’s words as optional advice rather than binding truth (John 14:15). - Profess faith yet live in habitual disobedience (James 1:22). - Use Jesus’ name flippantly or as a punchline (Exodus 20:7). - Allow entertainment, conversation, or social media to belittle Him without protest (Psalm 1:1). - Hide our identity in Christ to avoid embarrassment (Mark 8:38). Replacing Mockery with Honor Scripture shows what respectful allegiance looks like: - Reverence in speech: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). - Whole-life worship: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). - Open acknowledgment: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to give a defense” (1 Peter 3:15). - Active service to others as service to Him: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Daily Practices to Keep Jesus Central - Start each morning surrendering plans to His lordship; revisit that surrender whenever decisions arise. - Read a portion of the Gospels daily, letting His words set the tone for thought and speech. - Replace jokes or posts that cheapen sacred things with words that build up (Ephesians 4:29). - Honor His name aloud—offer genuine “thank You, Lord” when blessings or challenges come. - Choose entertainment that does not mock Christ or the values He teaches. - Join with believers who encourage holiness, curbing the drift toward casual irreverence (Hebrews 10:24-25). - End each day with a brief examination: note where obedience honored Him and where indifference might have mocked Him; repent and reset. Scripture Connections That Reinforce the Call - Philippians 2:9-11 — every knee will bow; honoring Him now aligns with eternity. - Galatians 6:7 — God is not mocked; sowing to the Spirit brings lasting fruit. - Psalm 2:12 — blessed are all who take refuge in Him, not in scoffing. - 1 Corinthians 10:31 — whatever we do, do all to the glory of God. Final Encouragement Herod’s robe and ridicule could not diminish Christ’s true majesty, yet they exposed hearts set against Him. Today, hearts still reveal themselves by either trivializing or treasuring Jesus. Choosing honor—through words, attitudes, and actions—keeps us far from mockery and draws us into the joy of faithful discipleship. |
    |