How can we respond to mockery for our faith like Jesus did? The Mockery at the Cross “ ‘Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe!’ Those who were crucified with Him also berated Him.” (Mark 15:32) • Golgotha rang with taunts. Religious leaders, soldiers, even the criminals beside Him ridiculed the Savior. • The slander questioned His identity, power, and mission—and yet He remained. How Jesus Responded • Silence: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.” (Isaiah 53:7) • Forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) • Non-retaliation: “When He was maligned, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.” (1 Peter 2:23) • Trust in the Father: He “entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23) • Steadfast purpose: Remaining on the cross accomplished redemption; stepping down would have aborted it. Truths We Can Hold Onto • Mockery does not diminish truth. Jesus stayed the course because the Father’s plan was unshakable. • God sees every insult. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18) • Suffering for righteousness identifies us with Christ. “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” (1 Peter 4:14) Practical Steps for Us Today 1. Expect opposition – “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) 2. Restrain the tongue – “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” (Proverbs 15:1) – Choose silence over self-defense when words will only inflame. 3. Respond with blessing – “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9) – Speak truth seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). 4. Keep doing good – Persevere in obedience as Jesus persevered on the cross. – Good works silence ignorant talk (1 Peter 2:15). 5. Entrust justice to God – “Never take revenge… ‘Vengeance is Mine,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) 6. Pray for mockers – Following Jesus’ example in Luke 23:34, intercede for their repentance. Promises That Sustain Us • Presence: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) • Reward: “Great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12) • Strength: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Living Out This Example Today Holding the line when jeers come is not passive resignation; it is active faith. By mirroring Christ’s silence where words would wound, extending forgiveness instead of retaliation, and trusting the Father to vindicate truth, believers turn mockery into a platform for gospel witness. The same Spirit who empowered the Lamb at Calvary now enables us to bear His likeness before a watching world. |
    |