“In the same way…”

Reflecting on Matthew 27:32-44

“In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him.” (Matthew 27:41)
As a Jesus follower, I learn from Him how to treat others.
Not only those I love, or who love me, but even strangers and enemies.
Jesus teaches and models the way of humility and grace.
These traits ought to reflect in how I speak about others.
Mocking and scoffing others does not fit with the Jesus Way.

Here we see the religious leaders joining in with the mockers.
In the same way as the soldiers and rebels, they mock Jesus too.
This makes me think of Psalm 1,

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:1-2)

If they delighted in God’s law of love, would they mock others?

In the past I have participated in mocking others.
Those who seemed like fools to me I would point it out.
I would do it with humour, to make others laugh.
This seemed OK because these people were obviously foolish.
Yet if I claim to delight in Jesus, this does not sit well.
If I truly delight in God’s love, my words ought to reflect this.

Currently there are some whose words and behaviours I could still mock.
Some of them are well known, and are often being mocked around me.
I want to join in – some sharp one-liners often come to mind.
But I do not want to join them “in the same way”.
I want to join “in the same way” as Jesus in blessing others.
Or in praying for others, or in asking God’s mercy for them.

There’s no doubt that fools like them need God’s mercy.
But I am also foolish in my own way, and need God’s mercy.
We all need God’s mercy, and Jesus shows us that we have it.
Jesus does not mock me when I say or do foolish things.
As a Jesus follower, I want to act “in the same way” as Jesus.

Today I want to pay attention to how I speak about others.
I want to sit in the seat of blessers, not mockers.
I want my ‘religion’ to be seen for kindness and mercy.
I want to speak and act “in the same way” as Jesus.

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, when thoughts and words of mockery come to mind, remind me of this moment when the religious leaders joined in on the mockery. Remind me also how You spoke to sinners, strugglers, opponents and enemies… with love and grace.

I want to speak and act “in the same way” as You!