Mocking Jesus

By Alessandra Velsor

“Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.”—Matthew 27:27–31 (NIV)

Jesus knew He would not only be executed to death but also mocked and humiliated by His enemies. And the anticipation of it all didn’t make it any easier on Him. The pain and humiliation He must have felt was excruciating and undeserving! This is the part in Jesus’ story when I cringe and cover my eyes.

First, He’s taken to their “courthouse” and met by the whole garrison, not the regular quaternion (four soldiers), to carry out the deed. Was it to prevent Him from escaping? He surrendered Himself to them, so it can’t be. Was it to prevent a crowd from arising against them? The disciples had already dispersed and were hiding, so that’s a no. Was it to humiliate Him exceedingly? YES! This large group of soldiers gathered publicly to strip Him and dress Him with a scarlet robe as cruel irony because rulers back then wore expensive robes with dye. They crowned Him with sharp thorns that would pierce and bloody his head. They had Him hold a staff, a thin and weak reed, to tease His claim of being the King of kings, Son of God, and the Messiah.

But they didn’t stop there. They took the staff and beat Him multiple times, and they spit on Him and called Him names. Then they took off the robe, probably already drenched with His blood, and put His clothes on Him and led Him to be crucified. This is more than mockery, it’s cruelty!

To think that mocking Jesus isn’t anything new. Many still mock Him to this day. Some do so blatantly with offensive and blasphemous language, acts of disdain, open hostility, and vicious attacks on His followers, others do it through hypocrisy and the twisting of Scripture to fit their agenda. Some who mock Him even call themselves Christians! They follow His words but apply them self-righteously—and instead of looking in the mirror, they’re pleased to look outside the window to see how others are failing their standards instead of God’s.

Like the Pharisees and the religious leaders of the time, these lost Christians think they’re on the right path, but are so far away from it! We see the same thing when looking at the history of the Israelites’ relationship with God as they worshiped other gods or completely turned away from Him (and how He responds): “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:21–24).

We mock God when we give advice and preach the fruit of the Spirit, but don’t display any love, kindness, self-control, goodness, gentleness, joy, or peace in our daily interactions with those He places in our path. As we engage with others, we should always strive to demonstrate the sacrificial love of our Savior.

Jesus exhibited great meekness while He was being tortured and humiliated. Why? Because He loves us so much! He knew the pain He’d endure was only temporary, and He believed the Father when He promised us victory over death!

Pause: Knowing that mocking Jesus is more than just openly insulting Him, can you remember times when you displayed an attitude that didn’t represent Him to other people?

Practice: Go out of your way to practice the fruit of the Spirit in your interactions today. Whenever something doesn’t go as planned or someone treats you unfairly; remember, you may not be able to change them, but you have control over yourself!

Pray: Father, this part of Your story is difficult to read. Please speak and remind me of Jesus’ sacrifice throughout this day. Help me exemplify Your loving kindness especially when I encounter challenging moments. Please forgive me for the times I’ve taken my walk with You lightly or not represented You the right way. Give me strength to walk according to Your Word and remain aware of those moments You want to speak through me. Thank You for choosing me as Your child and giving me many chances to draw closer to You. Amen.