Making fun of people

It is widely accepted, but really, it's a bad habit human beings have, making fun of others. Have people ever made jokes at your expense? Made fun of you in public? Have you been bullied in your youth? Or perhaps even now? I have some bad memories about bullying when I was younger, at sports, school and even at work.

Today we read and see that Jesus experienced bullying. Though he was not helpless, he chose not to protest. He accepted when soldiers made fun of him. When he was interviewed by Pilate, he was silent, choosing not to defend himself even though he could have. Jesus did not answer Pilate or protest his unfair treatment.

When Pilate said, "I have the authority to release you." Jesus answered, "You only have the authority because it is given to you. From heaven. By my father. Use the authority you have well."

Pilate understood parts of what Jesus said. He tried to release Jesus after the interview. He saw Jesus was blameless, but could not stand against the crowd that wanted him to judge Jesus as guilty and crucify him. His power was limited. Jesus didn’t protest.

Jesus did have the power to change his situation, but he accepted everything because he knew he was on a mission from his Father, God. He came into the world to save it from all the evil the sin of mankind brought into it.. Jesus chose to obey. He knew what was at stake: eternal life without sin, bullying and mocking of people, Jesus came to rescue the world from sin. He was obedient to his Father in everything. That makes him so special.

How do you handle bullying? Do you understand why Jesus accepted this treatment?