After reading Mark 15:25–32, I noted that as Jesus hung on the cross, he was mocked and insulted by just about everyone. First it was those who passed by, then the chief priests and teachers of the law, and finally, those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. I got to pondering why so many would attack him.

The words of the mockers give some clue to their motive.

You who were going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself. He saved others, but he can’t save himself.

It seems to me that these mockers were disappointed with Jesus. He had not behaved as they had desired. He had not proved his power as they had anticipated. The one they had pinned so many high hopes on for deliverance and independence was dying on a cross. 

Their disappointment quickly turned to sarcasm and mockery. Where were the grand words now? Where were the miracles and supernatural deeds? What a joke! He couldn’t even save himself, much less the nation.

Thing brings me to the principle I need to apply to myself. When I am disappointed in a leader, when they don’t act as I believe they should, when they don’t show the appropriate vision or initiative or faith, I begin to get sarcastic. Yes, I even mock them. Perhaps not publicly or to their face, but in my heart, I throw insults.

What a joke! Why did I even think they could get the job done? They can’t even lead themselves, much less the church. They sounded so pious, their plans looked good on paper, but they can’t make it happen. They haven’t got it in them. What’s the use?

Yes, I am guilty of mockery. So what is the remedy? Looking back to the scene at the cross, I see that had those mockers realized who Jesus truly was and been able to see the big picture, they would not have felt so disappointed. True faith and understanding in the Savior’s plans is the antidote to disappointment.

My faith is misplaced. My faith should be in my Savior, not in his appointed leaders. His big picture will prevail despite and in spite of those trying to carry it out, including me.

Who are you disappointed in today? What leader has let you down? Have you begun to mock him or her in your heart?

PRAYER

Lord, please don’t allow us to turn our disappointment into sarcasm and insults.  Help us instead to trust you and your big plans.