On September 24, 2000, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, two powerhouse teams at the time, played a game at Texas Stadium (the former home of the Cowboys). During the game, the 49ers' boisterous wide receiver, Terrell Owens, who was known for his "over the top" celebrations, on two separate occasions after scoring touchdowns, sprinted to the center of the field and stood arms stretched wide in a "look at me" pose right on the Cowboys' famous star logo. Owens' statement was clear, "I am the biggest star on THIS field!" He got away with it once, but on his second attempt, a few angry Cowboys, determined not to allow him to mock them in their "house," chased him down. A scuffle ensued and, if I recall correctly, the NFL issued several fines, and ultimately, even changed the rules about what was considered an acceptable touchdown celebration.
This type of "showboating" is part of the gamesmanship of sports. It's a common occurrence. However, what we learned from the reaction of those Cowboys players, and countless others over the years, is that people don't take too kindly to being mocked. Most of us have probably experienced it for ourselves. In the beginning, you're probably able to just brush it off as someone with a bad sense of humor...or maybe you think they're just being a jerk. But let it continue on long enough, until you've had enough, and eventually, you'll likely lash out. You may have enough self control not to slug someone in the nose, but everyone has a boiling point...and being ridiculed can get you there in a hurry.
So, what are we to make of this week's lesson from Matthew 27, as we study Jesus being mercilessly mocked and beaten? For me, as I read and study this passage, I begin to feel really angry and offended on Jesus' behalf. In my heart, I pass judgement on the mockers. On top of that, I even begin to question Jesus himself...and I think, "how could he just take all of that abuse and not say or do anything?" That's where my heart goes, and then the Holy Spirit arrives and pulls me back. In that moment I am left with two deep cutting realizations.
First, which we talked about last week, is that in my sinful flesh, I stand condemned among the mockers. To put it another, perhaps more traditional way, "but for grace go I." I'm in no position to cast judgement upon the people who mocked Jesus, as if they should have somehow known better. Every time I sin, I am mocking God and his design for my life. I don't want to belabor a point I made previously, but throughout our study of Christ's trial and crucifixion, I believe we do well to be reminded that the ugliness of the cross is a reflection of the ugliness of our own sinful hearts. There is a reason Christ was made to suffer...and that reason is us. It was our sin for which he paid the ultimate price, so that we could be redeemed before a just and perfectly holy God.
Second, I am reminded of Jesus words to his disciples back in Matthew 10:
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household."
Jesus' teaching is clear and stands, not as an overly cautious lesson to his followers, but rather as a sure and prophetic warning of what is to befall all men and women who take up their cross and follow after him. Somewhere along the way, we, the Church (particularly here in America), decided that that version of Christianity wasn't going to appeal to people, and so we began to manufacturer a version of carefree faith that people could easily latch on to. The problem with that, as I believe we are beginning to see manifest itself today in our society, is that to be a Christian is to be, like Jesus, somehow different from the world around you. It means you will be misunderstood and unliked by a sinful world being called to repentance through the power of the Gospel. It is anything but carefree.
Some might be inclined to disagree with my position and may argue that the message of the Gospel is hope. To that I say, "Amen!" Yet, does not the hope of salvation come through repenting (that is turning away from) of one's sins and running to our Savior, Jesus? Few people would hesitate to accept a version of Jesus that serves as a "get out of Hell free" card. But call people to a radical upheaval of their lives for the sake of knowing Christ, and the number of takers dwindles exponentially...because then it costs something. Furthermore, we know Biblically/theologically that apart from the revitalizing work of the Holy Spirit in restoring our formerly dead hearts, even the most driven and disciplined of us can't will ourselves to get there on our own (see Philippians 3:1-11).
So, as believers, we are to expect that mockery and persecution will come for us. When it does, we are then called to not back down, and to stand firm on the truth of scripture. In the same way though, let us be reminded of the grace shown to us when we stood among the mockers. Let us, like Jesus, love with a love that is greater than the hatred being cast upon us. Let us, like Jesus, pray for mercy upon those who persecute us. Let us, like Jesus, carry the burden of our cross so that those who were formerly enemies of God, might be counted among his children through the saving power of his Gospel. Let us, like Jesus, bring light into the darkest places.
In Grace,
Chris Morris
If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.
Part 96 - Mockers & The Cross
Questions discussed in this sermon:
1. Who are the different mockers in Matthew 27?
2. What is wine mixed with gal?
3. Why do we have hope for mockers today?
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