How can we respond to mockery of our faith, as seen in Matthew 27:40? The Scene at the Cross Matthew 27:40: “‘You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!’” The crowd ridicules Christ precisely at His moment of greatest obedience. From this verse we see that mockery often attacks: • Our identity in Christ (“If You are the Son of God…”) • Our confidence in God’s promises (“…rebuild it in three days”) • Our willingness to suffer for a greater purpose (“…come down from the cross!”) Christ’s Response—Our Model • Silent endurance: “When He was maligned, He did not answer back” (1 Peter 2:23). • Forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). • Trust in the Father: “Into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). • Fixed on the mission: He stayed on the cross until “It is finished” (John 19:30). Why Mockery Will Come • Jesus promised it: “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). • Godliness exposes darkness: “Everyone who does evil hates the Light” (John 3:20). • Suffering is part of discipleship: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Practical Responses Today 1. Remember who you are • “We are God’s children now” (1 John 3:2). • Mockery cannot alter eternal adoption. 2. Answer gently—or not at all • “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). • There is a time for silence: “Jesus made no reply” (Matthew 27:14). 3. Refuse retaliation • “Do not repay anyone evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). • Leave room for God’s justice: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay” (Romans 12:19). 4. Bless instead of curse • “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). • “You are blessed when people insult you… because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14). 5. Hold to eternal perspective • “These light and momentary afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Mockery is temporary; reward is forever. Strengthened by Promises • “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • “The battle belongs to the LORD” (1 Samuel 17:47). • “The righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever” (Psalm 112:6). The Quiet Witness of Endurance When we respond as Jesus did, scoffers see: • Supernatural peace that defies circumstance (Philippians 4:7). • Love that cannot be provoked (1 Corinthians 13:5). • Hope that rests on an unshakeable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Such testimony often speaks louder than any argument. By staying on our “cross,” trusting the Father, and treating mockery as Jesus did, we reflect His glory and invite onlookers to consider the One they mock. |
    |