Topical Bible: Scorning and Mocking: Christ Endured

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Scorning and mocking are forms of derision and ridicule that Christ endured throughout His earthly ministry, culminating in His Passion. These acts of contempt were prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, highlighting the suffering and humiliation that Jesus willingly accepted as part of His redemptive mission.

Old Testament Prophecies

The Old Testament contains several prophecies that foretell the scorn and mockery the Messiah would endure. Psalm 22 is particularly poignant, as it vividly describes the suffering of the righteous one. Psalm 22:7-8 states, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" This passage foreshadows the ridicule Jesus would face on the cross.

Isaiah 53:3 also speaks of the Messiah as "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief." This prophecy underscores the rejection and scorn that would characterize the Messiah's experience.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament records numerous instances where Jesus was subjected to scorn and mockery. During His trial and crucifixion, these acts of derision reached their peak. In Matthew 27:27-31 , the Roman soldiers mocked Jesus by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and kneeling before Him in false homage, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on Him and struck Him, further intensifying His humiliation.

As Jesus hung on the cross, the mockery continued. Matthew 27:39-43 describes how passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders derided Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him." This taunting echoed the words of Psalm 22, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating the depth of Christ's suffering.

Purpose and Significance

The scorn and mockery that Christ endured were not merely acts of human cruelty; they were integral to His mission of salvation. By enduring such humiliation, Jesus identified with the suffering and rejection of humanity. Hebrews 12:2 encourages believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." This passage highlights that Jesus' endurance of scorn was part of His obedience to the Father and His love for humanity.

Furthermore, Christ's response to mockery serves as a model for believers. 1 Peter 2:23 states, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Jesus' example teaches Christians to respond to scorn with patience and trust in God's justice.

Conclusion

The scorn and mockery that Christ endured are central to understanding His sacrificial love and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. Through His suffering, Jesus not only accomplished the work of redemption but also provided a profound example of humility and endurance for His followers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 9:24
He said to them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleeps. And they laughed him to scorn.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 27:29
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Homily Delivered on the Saturday Before the Second Sunday in ...
... heat of his confession, rejected their mocking insults and ... and truth came through
Jesus Christ [965] ," in ... despising things mundane and scorning things earthly ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon li a homily delivered.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... a heaven will pay for all; Christ first endured the cross ... the message then that God
doth send, that Christ doth send ... And the scorners delight in their scorning? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm