It’s hard to endure mockery. It can cause us either to retaliate or shrink away. But isn’t being mocked for what we believe part and parcel of being children of God?
Proverbs 14:9 leaves us in no doubt as to the nature of such mockers who live in darkness and are blind to the truth: ‘Fools mock at sin.’ The second part of the verse helpfully reminds us that we are not to be fearful of them as we have God with us: ‘but among the upright there is favour’ (NKJ).
In the Bible, we see that God’s people, and even Jesus himself, are mocked. When rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah chapter 4, the Jews encounter mockery from Sanballat and Tobiah: ‘What are those feeble Jews doing?’; ‘What they are building – even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones.’ At his trial, Jesus is mocked by the soldiers who strip off his clothes and put a scarlet robe and a crown of thorns on him. Kneeling before him, they mock: ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ (Matt. 27:27-31).
It’s interesting to note the different reactions to the mockery in these passages. The Jews asked God, ‘Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity,’ whereas Jesus simply remained silent. He had earlier commanded his disciples to, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matt. 5:44). Later, he asked his Father to forgive his executioners. So, what should our response be?
Respond with grace
Clear instruction is given in Psalm 1:1 regarding our response to mockers: ‘Blessed is the one who does not… sit in the company of mockers.’ Sitting, in this context, implies complete association or being close friends with them. In our daily interactions, we cannot avoid such people, nor should we; how can we share the gospel if we do? But those around us should see that our response to mockery is different.
The Apostles Peter and Paul challenge and instruct us on our response to all, including mockers. ‘Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone’ (Col. 4:6). ‘Give an answer… with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander’ (1 Pet. 3:15-16).
I have encountered mockers whilst evangelising. One man had been physically attacked and expressed his plans for retribution. As I talked with him about sin and how we treat Jesus, he refused to see his own actions as being sinful. He mocked, ‘When I see God, I’ll tell him a thing or two.’ There was no point in arguing with him, so I thanked him politely for talking to me and left. Another person mocked the message of Jesus as well as me to others around us. My response was to always be willing to listen to her, and to chat or challenge when appropriate. Now she asks me to talk to her and has even accepted prayer.
Although it is not easy to respond calmly to those who are mocking us or ridiculing our Lord, remember that we represent Jesus. It is important to refute errors with biblical truth and challenge mockers lovingly about what they believe. However, if someone refuses to listen, thank them and walk away. Always leave on a positive note so that should the Lord later do a work in their hearts, the door is open for them to come back.
