Mockery and derision - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save.
Mark 15: 31.

Mockery and derision
The high priests and scribes were the driving force behind the trial and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. They brought an accusation against Him before the Roman judge and incited the people to demand His execution.

When the Saviour was hanging on the cross, they imagined they had achieved their objective. They said to one another: "He saved others; himself he cannot save." With such scornful words they ridiculed His gracious works among the people, casting doubt on His omnipotence. In His heart the Lord Jesus must surely have been sensitive to such contempt.

Without realising it, the chief priests and scribes publicly testified all the good He had done in His life. He had selflessly helped people, healing the sick, exorcising demons and raising the dead. How many had experienced His incomprehensible grace and benefited from His divine power!

The second part of their statement was equally true, albeit in a different sense from what they meant. Jesus Christ had undoubtedly the power to descend from the cross. Yet He could not, indeed would not, save Himself, because He wished to obey God and save believers from eternal condemnation. He had to remain on the cross in order to fulfil the divine plan of salvation through His death. In incomprehensible love He would not counter the bitter scorn of His enemies; He sacrificed His life for our salvation.

Today‘s reading: Deuteronomy 19: 1 - 14 · Matthew 27: 39 - 54