Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the act of scoffing, particularly by soldiers, is depicted as a manifestation of mockery and disdain towards the divine and the anointed. This behavior is often highlighted in the context of the Passion of Christ, where Roman soldiers played a significant role in the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures through their actions and words.Mockery of Jesus by Roman Soldiers One of the most poignant examples of scoffing by soldiers is found in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Gospel accounts detail how Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, treating Him with contempt and derision. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is recorded: "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. And they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!' Then they spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly" (Matthew 27:27-30). This passage illustrates the soldiers' mockery as they sarcastically hailed Jesus as "King of the Jews," a title that, while true, was used by them in a derisive manner. The act of placing a crown of thorns on His head and a staff in His hand was a cruel parody of a royal coronation, intended to belittle His claim to kingship. Fulfillment of Prophecy The scoffing of Jesus by the soldiers is not only a historical account but also a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Psalms, which often foreshadow the sufferings of the Messiah, speak of such mockery: "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'" (Psalm 22:7-8). This prophetic utterance finds its realization in the actions of the soldiers, who, in their ignorance, played a part in the divine plan of redemption. Their scoffing, while intended to humiliate, ultimately served to confirm the messianic identity of Jesus as foretold by the prophets. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the scoffing of Jesus by the soldiers underscores the rejection of divine authority by worldly powers. It highlights the contrast between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. The soldiers, representing the might of the Roman Empire, failed to recognize the true nature of Christ's kingship, which was not of this world (John 18:36). Moreover, the soldiers' actions serve as a reminder of the human tendency to mock what is not understood or accepted. Their scoffing is emblematic of the broader rejection of Christ by those who are blinded by sin and unbelief. Yet, in the mystery of God's providence, even their mockery was woven into the tapestry of salvation history, demonstrating that God's purposes prevail even through human folly and scorn. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:28-30And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. Nave's Topical Index Luke 23:36 Library Of Scoffing and Derision. Words from the Cross Firm to the End. Of the Last Resurrection. The Lord of Hosts, the God of Jacob Moral Characteristics. The Crucifixion. Misused Respite Psalm LXXIX. Letter to a Young Widow. Resources What does it mean that there will be scoffers in the last days? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about scoffers? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is not mocked? | GotQuestions.org Scoffing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |