Christian Reflection and Prayer

PLAYGROUND STUNTS

Read Psalm 89:38-52. 

TEXT: All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me;
they wag their head (Psalm 22:7).

Yesterday we saw how the enemies gathered before Jesus'
cross acted like children around an injured worm. Today we
see them doing another thing children do: they mock, make
mouths at Him, and wag their heads. Note how closely this
prophecy matches Matthew's description: "And those who
passed by derided Him, wagging their heads and saying,
'You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three
days, save Yourself!'" (See Matthew 27:39-40).

None of us went through childhood without encountering
mockery. You can hear that insulting, imitative voice as one
child takes another's words and turns it back against him.
Most of us manage to outgrow it though. Maybe that's why
it's so shocking to see the Jewish crowds turning Jesus' own
words against Him in mockery: "You who would destroy the
temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are
the Son of God, come down from the cross."

These Jews are making their way into Jerusalem to
celebrate the Jewish Feast of Passover. But far from pitying
Jesus or feeling any compassion for Him they make faces
at the Lord, as they pass Him on their way to town. Like
cruel children they mockingly imitate the uncontrollable
grimaces covering His face as His body is racked with pain.
They shoot out their lips in contempt, then open their mouths
wide, staring at Him in shock and disgust. They wag their
heads from side to side, doubting He is in His right mind
when He claims to be God's Son, the King of the Jews.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, You endured such childish mockery
and cruelty to save us from our sin. Thank You for winning
our full and free forgiveness. Amen.

(Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries)