Mocking, as depicted in the Bible, is an act of scorn and derision, often used to belittle or humiliate. In the context of the persecution of Jesus Christ, mocking serves as a poignant illustration of the rejection and suffering He endured at the hands of His persecutors. This act of mockery is not only a fulfillment of prophetic scripture but also a reflection of the sinful nature of humanity.

Biblical Accounts of Mocking Jesus

The Gospels provide detailed accounts of the mockery Jesus faced during His trial and crucifixion. In the Gospel of Matthew, the soldiers' mockery is vividly described: "Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company around Him. They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. And they twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. Then they knelt down before Him in mockery and taunted, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' They spat on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly" (Matthew 27:27-30).

Similarly, the Gospel of Mark recounts the soldiers' actions: "They dressed Him in a purple robe, twisted together a crown of thorns, and set it on His head. And they began to salute Him: 'Hail, King of the Jews!' They kept striking His head with a staff and spitting on Him. And they knelt down and bowed before Him in mock homage" (Mark 15:17-19).

The Gospel of Luke adds another layer to the mockery, highlighting the derision from various groups: "The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, 'He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.' The soldiers also mocked Him and came up to offer Him sour wine. 'If You are the King of the Jews,' they said, 'save Yourself!'" (Luke 23:35-37).

Prophetic Fulfillment

The mockery of Jesus was not an isolated incident but rather a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Psalms, in particular, foreshadow the scorn and derision that the Messiah would endure. Psalm 22:7-8 states, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" This prophetic psalm vividly captures the essence of the mockery Jesus faced, underscoring the divine plan and the foreknowledge of God.

Theological Significance

The mockery of Jesus holds deep theological significance. It highlights the extent of His humiliation and the depth of His suffering for the sake of humanity. Despite being the King of Kings, Jesus willingly subjected Himself to such scorn, embodying the ultimate act of humility and obedience to the Father's will. The mockery serves as a stark contrast to His true identity and mission, emphasizing the blindness and hardness of heart of those who rejected Him.

Furthermore, the mockery of Jesus is a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil. It illustrates the rejection of divine truth by a fallen world and the cost of redemption. Jesus' response to mockery, characterized by silence and forgiveness, exemplifies His perfect love and grace, offering a model for believers to emulate in the face of persecution and ridicule.

Conclusion

The mockery of Jesus by His persecutors is a profound aspect of the Passion narrative, rich with prophetic fulfillment and theological depth. It serves as a testament to the suffering He endured for the salvation of mankind and a reminder of the cost of discipleship in a world that often rejects the truth.Matthew 26:67,68
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
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Matthew 27:28-31,39-44
And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
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Mark 10:34
And they shall mock him, and shall whip him, and shall spit on him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
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Mark 14:65
And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands.
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Mark 15:17-20,29-32
And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
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Luke 23:11
And Herod with his men of war set him at nothing, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
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John 19:2,3,5
And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
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1 Peter 2:23
Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously:
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A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... them, your repentance is in vain, you are mocking of God ... Have you been blasphemers
and persecutors of the saints and ... Let the love of Jesus to you, keep you also ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... a new similitude"they have the image of Jesus Christ (Galatians 4 ... for coming back,
and some called him fool for ... with Christian; others, again, did mock at his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... up his eyes.' He was asleep before, but hell makes him lift up ... me up rather to seek
to the Lord Jesus Christ to ... thence, than to slight it, and make a mock at it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

part ii
... By His death Jesus Christ our Saviour has conquered our ... rest; that they lay heavy
anxieties upon him; but yet ... Let others mock at you, oppose you, when you are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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