Before I start this post, I have to admit that the idea came from John Piper’s article in World Magazine on Feb 18, 2006. It was called Being Mocked. It was such a good article that I felt I had to post it in my own words.
One interesting thing about the recent Danish cartoons and the ensuing reaction to them is the difference between the ministries of Mohammed and Jesus, and thus between Christianity and Islam. The Muslims were protesting the blaspheming of Mohammed’s name by the Danish cartoonists. They say that they honor Jesus more than we do, because Allah would not allow his prophet to die the shameful of the cross.
But this suffering and was essential to our salvation. Christ took the punishment for our sin on Himself. He was scorned, mocked, and reviled so as to fulfill prophecy and to endure what we deserved. Then, He died. But after three days He rose from the grave so as to show that He conquered sin and , and to show that the Father had accepted His sacrifice. This is much more glorious than the Islamic notion of him living out his days in peace. Jesus also said during His earthly ministry that He would be mocked. He said that if He would be persecuted, so would those who followed Him.
Christianity and Christ have been mocked many times and in many ways over the centuries, but the message of Jesus’ sacrifice still rings true. You didn’t see Christians rioting and people when Andres Serrano did his against Jesus, or when The Da Vinci Code came out. Sure we are grieved and angered, but we follow the Bible, which says, [God speaking] “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19)
The contrast is stark between a religion that will threaten upon those scoffing its leader, and believes that their works will earn their salvation; and one that adores the Incarnate God who suffered scoffing in our place, and took away our sins so that we may have life.
“He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Isaiah 53:3a, NKJV.
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