Are You Afraid of Ridicule?

“God created the universe.”

“The earth is no more than 10,000 years old.”

“That’s a sin.”

“Sex outside of marriage is a sin.”

“I’m still a virgin.”

“I haven’t seen that movie; It’s too dirty.”

“I’m going to stay at home and raise my kids.”

“I don’t drink.”

“We don’t have a piano at church, we just sing.”

“The Bible is the inspired word of God.”

“Jesus is the only way to heaven.”

“The Bible says...”

“If you are going to be a Christian, ridicule will come with the territory.”

Some of those are things I’ve said. The rest I’ve heard others say. They all have one thing in common: The hearer of those words ridiculed the speaker.

If you were to make a list of things people fear, ridicule would be pretty high up on the list. Maybe not quite as high as death, but pretty close to the top. No one wants to be criticized, or made to feel like they are ridiculous.But if you are going to be a Christian, and do it right, ridicule comes with the territory. In fact, Jesus himself was ridiculed several times in his life (and in his death, Matthew 27:39-44).

In Matthew 9 we read the account of Jesus resurrecting the daughter of Jairus. In verses 18-19 (and its parallel in Mark 5:22ff.) we read that the man came to Jesus, begging him to come and lay his hand on his daughter so that she would live again. When Jesus finally arrived at Jairus’ house, the professional mourners had already started their work (vs. 23). In verse 24, Jesus tells them to make way, and then makes a statement that catches the contempt of the people present.

“The girl is not dead. She is sleeping”

— Jesus, Matthew 9:24

Of course everyone knew she was dead, right? They had all seen dead people before. This girl was very much dead. In their estimation, only a fool would say she wasn’t. The KJV says that they “laughed him to scorn.”

But shortly after that they left the room. Jesus performed the miracle and raised the girl from the dead (vs. 25). Suddenly what Jesus had said made perfect sense. In fact, the report of the incredible thing that had happened in that room in Jairus’ house went all throughout their region. The mouths that had uttered derison soon declared the wonders of Jesus.

Maybe what He had said wasn’t so ridiculous after all.

Think about it for a minute: People had laughed at Jesus because He knew and understood things that they didn’t. They laughed because of their ignorance. But once they understood, they couldn’t help but tell others.

The same is true for you and me. People will laugh at us because as Christians we understand and accept something that those mocking us don’t. They don’t know God, so they don’t understand us (1 John 3:1). You will say and believe some things that others, who think they are wiser, will outright reject (consider 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). But don’t worry. You are in good company.

“People will laugh at us because as Christians we understand and accept something that those mocking us don’t. They don’t know God...”

On another occasion we read of how Paul was speaking to King Agrippa about Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 26:19-23), and the Roman procurator named Festus exclaimed, “You are out of your mind!” What Paul said was crazy talk to Festus. Paul’s “learning” was driving him mad.

“But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.””

— Acts 26:25, ESV

Paul knew what he was saying was right, even if Festus didn’t believe it.

That wasn’t the first time Paul had been ridiculed for preaching about Jesus (consider Acts 17). But it didn’t stop him. He wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because he knew that people had to hear it in order for it to have its effect (Romans 1:16; 10:14). He was willing to become a “fool” for the sake of Christ, and the salvation of others (1 Corinthians 4:10, 13). You have to have that same kind of courage, too.

Finally, consider the words of Jesus when He sent out the twelve apostles:

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.”

— Matthew 10:24-25 ESV

If Jesus and his disciples were ridiculed, don’t expect anything different today. Just remember, you’re not alone. Jesus understands it all.

Be brave.

-Daniel