Devotion:
Read Matthew 27:27-44.
Both soldiers and religious leaders make fun of Jesus because it was so ridiculous to them that he could be a king or the Messiah. Representing God in this world is done in ways that do not make sense to the ways of the world. People often make fun of Christians for their faith, but believers can take courage from the fact that Jesus was mocked as greatly as anyone. Taunting may hurt our feelings, but we should never let it change our faith.
One young elementary boy had been immersed in the football season and was very interested in how the defense tried to defend the ball. When one day a classmate made fun of his belief in God. The little boy promptly tackled the other child. Of course he got in trouble at school and when his father asked why he had done that, the child replied, “I was just defending my faith like the guys on the football field defending the ball.” When we encounter taunts and attack because of our faith, we may want to tackle the other person too. But that is not the example Christ gave us. Grace, mercy, and kindness are tools to employ as we put our faith into action in the face of opposition.
Personal Worship Option:
Reflect on your faith - let the cost of this gift permeate your heart. Give thanks to God.
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