I don’t think anyone on the planet has avoided teasing with words that pick on what others judge about us as “weak” areas of our being.  I venture to guess; we have all done our fair share of teasing, too.  We seem to love seeing the arrogant “brought down to size” as we tease them.  Some of us take teasing on as a sport in which we must compete with fervor to win.  We love to “get someone’s goat” as the saying goes. 

Fun Fact:  Getting someone’s goat is defined as making someone annoyed or angry: “Gavin may seem unflappable, but I know a way to get his goat.” This expression comes from a tradition in horse racing. Thought to have a calming effect on high-strung thoroughbreds, a goat was placed in the horse’s stall on the night before the race. Unscrupulous opponents would then steal the goat in an effort to upset the horse and cause it to lose the race, thus “getting someone’s goat”. 

Family teasing seems inevitable and unavoidable as we gather to celebrate various life events.  It hurts the most when carried too far and crosses the line into sheer meanness.  It seems they ones we love the most take pleasure in this sport.  We have a few relatives in our family who would take on this sport as a way to deflect what could be said about them.  Over the years I have discovered that hurting people hurt people.  Frustrated people escalate teasing into mocking of those who are (or appear to be) at peace.

Our beloved church families can be and are guilty of this as well because we are imperfect people who gather seeking perfect forgiveness.  Wonder why visitors don’t return?  Our teasing of each other “in fun” makes it awkward for those watching and listening who don’t know the inside jokes and feel left out.  We must realize that this newcomer has thought long and hard about getting up the nerve to come seeking Jesus and those who know Him.  And what do we do—tease and mock each other—just like the world.

Why are my thoughts leading me here?  Because, when I read about the teasing that turns to ugly mocking, spitting, and physical abuse of our dear Savior, Jesus, my heart aches, and the tears flow.  He stood there and took it for you and for me.  No one was able to “get his goat” or force Jesus from finishing the mission God sent Him to accomplish—for us!

Luke 22, The Message

Slapping Him Around

^63-65 The men in charge of Jesus began poking fun at him, slapping him around. They put a blindfold on him and taunted, “Who hit you that time?” They were having a grand time with him.

^66-67 When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, “Are you the Messiah?”

^67-69 He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.”

⁷⁰ They all said, “So you admit your claim to be the Son of God?”

“You’re the ones who keep saying it,” he said.

⁷¹ But they had made up their minds, “Why do we need any more evidence? We’ve all heard him as good as say it himself.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Satan is having the time of his life as he uses people to mock the One who he wanted to be—God.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” I Peter 5:8-9, NIV

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. — 1 Peter 5:8, KJV

Simon Peter had many battles with the devil while transforming to Jesus’ way of thinking.  When Peter thought he was saying all the right things, Jesus rebuked (confronted) him.  “Get behind me, Satan” … (See Matthew 16:23), for example.

So, listen to Peter’s words written after all his messes became messages that preach truth!  He had many lessons from Jesus Himself!  Satan worked hard on Peter to “get his goat” throughout his life until Jesus came and changed Peter’s mind.  Spend some time reading all the words of Peter!

Satan is a dangerous enemy. He is a serpent who can bite us when we least expect it. He is a distracter, deceiver, deflector, destroyer and an accuser (Zechariah 3:1–5; Revelations 12:9–11). He has great power and intelligence, and a host of demons who assist him in his attacks against God’s people (Ephesians 6:10). He is a formidable enemy; we must never joke about him, ignore him, or underestimate his ability. We must “be vigilant” and have our minds and our mouths under control when it comes to our conflict with Satan.  Because who we believe and follow is reflected in our behavior. 

However, Satan’s power is limited by God.  Jesus tells all believers to remember; “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Paul advises all believers with ways to live for God: 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

(I’ve never known teasing which leads to mocking and eventually bullying to be helpful.)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:30-32

Those who believe, are humbled, and cherish the forgiveness of Jesus—forgive.

Believers who remember how Jesus was mocked—encourage.

Believers who know God know love and—love.

Oh Lord,

Help me not to be the one who teases and mocks but rather encourages and helps. And when we are teased, especially when it is about who we believe, may we stand firm and love our accusers anyway—”for they know not what they’re doing”—yet.  Thank you for taking it, even though sinless, while standing in the place I deserve for my sins.  Put your power in us to defeat the one who wants to destroy us. Help us to remember the war has already been won!

In Jesus Name, Amen