In reading Mark’s gospel account recently, Mark 15:16 stuck out to me, the verse where the soldiers mock Jesus. It wasn’t bad enough that Jesus hung on a cross, they felt the need to cast lots for his clothing and mock and spit on Him.
Let me put this into perspective.
When I read the Old Testament, I briefly tell myself I’d never turn to an idol, like the Israelites did (Ex 32), after hearing God proclaim the Ten Commandments. Nor grumble after seeing the miracle of the Red Sea part so that I could walk through on dry land (Ex 14:21). Nor grumble that I wanted meat (Num 11) after receiving the miracle of fresh Manna from God every day for forty years.
Oh wait, I bet if I lived in those times I would have turned to idols and grumbled, just like the Israelites. I’m human and flawed and sinful. You know, every time I turn on the television when I haven’t had quiet time with God, I am putting my needs before my relationship with God. That novel I read at bedtime is an idol if I still have unfinished business with the Lord.
Are those things “mocking Jesus?” No. We have freedom (2Cor3:17-18) in Jesus. But when I chose something above Jesus time and again, I am mocking Him. No one other than He and I know, but I’m still mocking Him. And I bet it hurts as much as the soldiers mocking Him on the cross, if not more because I am one of His sheep.
[[Photo by maveric2003]]