How can we respond to ridicule for our faith, as seen in Luke 23:35? Setting the Scene • Luke 23:35a: “The people stood by watching.” • Luke 23:35b: “The rulers sneered, ‘He saved others; let Him save Himself…’” Even at the cross—our Lord’s most vulnerable moment—He faced open mockery. That snapshot frames every discussion about ridicule for our faith: we follow a Savior who endured it first. Why Ridicule Comes • Sinful hearts resist God’s authority (John 15:18–19). • Public scorn tries to shame believers into silence (Acts 4:18–20). • Darkness reacts when light exposes it (Ephesians 5:11-13). Knowing the root keeps us from taking ridicule too personally. What Jesus Shows Us • Silence over self-defense – “He did not open His mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). • Trust in the Father’s justice – “Into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). • Love for enemies – “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). His pattern anchors every practical step that follows. Scriptural Expectations • 2 Timothy 3:12: “All who desire to live godly… will be persecuted.” • 1 Peter 4:14: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed.” • Matthew 5:11-12 reminds us that heaven’s reward outweighs earth’s ridicule. Ridicule is not a surprise; it’s a shared badge of discipleship. Responding God’s Way 1. Rest in identity – We are “children of God” (1 John 3:1). Insults cannot revoke adoption. 2. Refuse retaliation – “Do not repay evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). – Proverbs 26:4 guides us to avoid foolish quarrels. 3. Return good for evil – “Overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). – A soft answer may open doors for witness (1 Peter 3:15-16). 4. Rejoice in eternal perspective – “Our light affliction is producing an eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). 5. Rely on the Holy Spirit – He gives words when under fire (Luke 12:11-12). – He pours love into our hearts, preventing bitterness (Romans 5:5). Practical Daily Habits • Start the day in the Word—truth steadies emotions before insults appear. • Memorize key promises (e.g., Isaiah 41:10; Hebrews 13:5–6) to counter doubt. • Cultivate gracious speech—practice blessing others aloud (Colossians 4:6). • Stay connected to fellow believers for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Serve mockers tangibly when possible; kindness disarms hostility (Proverbs 25:21-22). Encouragement from the Early Church • Acts 5:41—apostles left rejoicing “they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor.” • Acts 16:25—Paul and Silas sang hymns while jailed after public ridicule. Their joy under pressure fueled gospel advance; ours can do the same today. Conclusion Ridicule is real, but so is the victorious example of Christ. By resting in our identity, refusing retaliation, returning good, rejoicing in future reward, and relying on the Spirit, we answer sneers with a quiet, steadfast witness—just as our Savior did on Calvary. |
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