Journey With Jesus: 31 Days Devotion From the Gospel of MarkНамуна

If words could kill

Were you ever wrongfully accused of something you did not do? Or humiliated by family members, classmates, or supervisors, though you were innocent? How did you feel? Do these experiences still haunt you today?

Jesus understands how it feels like to undergo verbal abuse. If words could kill, He might have died many times.

After His disciples deserted Him, Jesus was left alone to face the insults and ridicule of men. Soldiers mocked Him insolently (v16-20), and passers-by sneered at Him while He hung on the cross (v29-30). The Jewish religious leaders taunted Him for saving others but not Himself. Even the two robbers crucified alongside Him piled on insults (v31-32).

Jesus was disrespected and mocked by people from all levels of society, from the high and mighty Jewish leaders to the lowly and disgraced criminals. The verbal barbs hurled at Him did not diminish Jesus’ resolution to go to the cross for mankind. He even forgave those who hurt Him.

Without a doubt, Jesus could have delivered Himself from the cruel humiliation. He is fully God! Yet, for our sake, He chose to die on the cross. For our sake, He received degrading jokes and scathing sarcasm until He breathed His last. He loves us so much that He readily endured all of that.

Jesus’ love is constant and unchanging; it does not wane and will not fade. With the same measure of love that brought Him to the cross, Jesus loves you as much today and forever.

What emotions or thoughts come to you when you know that Jesus loves you? In what way is He worthy of your adoration and trust? The next time you encounter verbal abuse, remember that Jesus understands what you are going through. He chooses to forgive and love those who hurt Him. Will you follow His example?