1“Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.”
The only fun that may be gained from most mocking is by the ones who do the mocking and the audience being entertained - unless it is done by friends or family in mutual humor or love.
I laughed when my young sons pretended it was me at the pulpit in church. They tried to tell one of my jokes and tapped on the microphone to see if it was working. My oldest wandered around the stage and pretended to forget where he was during the “sermon”. The youngest sang off key and jumping from octave to octave. (I try not to sing publicly.) I could laugh because it was funny, but it also pointed out some of my actions that others could identify and also laugh.
When someone is loved by us and that person is maliciously mocked, it also becomes an insult. I do not take kindly when someone who is mentally or physically handicapped is being mocked or bullied. It also bothers me greatly to hear God, who is to be revered above all, made fun of. I love religious humor, but not when it is about the Lord. He is not to be the subject of ridicule or mocking. I think that can be blasphemy.
When a cartoon characterization was made of Mohammed, many Muslims rose in anger and were violent at the offense. Yet, Jesus Christ is constantly mocked by our world.
Whenever I think of the suffering of our Lord, the sin that causes me the most sadness is the mocking He received. It points out clearly the depravity of man at his worse. I cannot understand why God did not wipe out the whole human race when His creation laughed and spit upon Jesus, stripped naked, and ridiculed.
Jesus knows what it means to be an object of ridicule, laughter, and humiliation.
Application: Think of your own words and actions that put down other people or make fun of them. This is true of racial slurs, as well as cruel ethic jokes. Think how others might feel. How do you feel when you are mocked? When is your humor at someone else's expense.
Prayer: Psalm 141:3 "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil."
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If you wish to get the fuller version of this daily devotion send a request via email to pastordale@outlook.com. For Pastor Cope's full bio, see the Staff page of this website.
