Mockery

32As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”).34There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.35When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. (Matthew 27)

Thoughts: The higher you go the greater your fall.  So this "king" of the Jews was mocked.  He became the lightning rod- accused of things he didn't even say so that people could feel good about his fall.  There is a type of blood lust that shows itself today when a prominent minister or politician or entertainer is dethroned.  What this does is to keep good people away from the needed higher positions.  Who wants to go through the scrutiny in the name of public service when half the public not only doesn't want you to serve, they will do everything they can to stymie you?
      Ironically, Matthew quotes from Psalm 22 and 51 to point out that these mockeries were predicted long before they were made.  Thus even in mockery and false accusations, God is still in control.  The difference is obvious however, none of us is perfect.  Jesus, however deserved none of this.  He was the real king.  The mockeries showed how ignorant the people were.  It is never good to mock. We should be sensitive and recognize our need to be kind and gracious.  Would that they had been kind and gracious to Jesus. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be more kind than I am and more generous in my thoughts of others.