4. JESUS IS MOCKED

Verses

Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”
— John 18:23 (NLT)

Matthew 27:28
Matthew 20:18–19

Questions

What brings on our mockery?
Why do you think they mocked Jesus?

Meditation

In this station two objects appear together: a whip and a crown made of thorns.

Both were instruments meant to degrade and humiliate.

The Roman soldiers beat Jesus, placed a robe upon His shoulders, and pressed the crown of thorns onto His head. They mocked Him as a king, bowing in cruel imitation and striking Him as they laughed.

Mockery often grows from insecurity. Rather than confront fear, weakness, or anger, people sometimes attempt to elevate themselves by humiliating others. Ridicule becomes a way of reclaiming power.

The soldiers likely saw Jesus as nothing more than another condemned prisoner.

Yet the One they mocked was the King of heaven.

Jesus partook in being dehumanized.

He endured insult, ridicule, and violence without retaliation.

The apostle Peter later reflected on this moment when he wrote:

“He did not retaliate when he was insulted,

    nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

He left his case in the hands of God,

    who always judges fairly.”
— 1 Peter 2:23 (NLT)

In the face of cruelty, Christ did not answer with vengeance. He entrusted Himself to the justice of God.

The King who could command angels chose instead the path of humility and suffering.

Through this humiliation the love of God was revealed.

The Church responds in prayer:

“O Savior of the world, who by your cross and precious blood have redeemed us: Save us and help us, we humbly beseech you, O Lord.”
— Book of Common Prayer, p. 281