“Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment” (Hebrews 11:36).
We can look to an event that took place during Jesus’ earthly ministry for insight on how to respond whenever we experience the type of mockery described here in Hebrews 11:36…
“Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, ‘My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.’ So Jesus went with him” (Mark 5:22-24 NIV).
But prior to their arrival at Jairus’ home, “…some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ they said. ‘Why bother the teacher anymore?'” (Mark 5:34-35 NIV). That led to Jesus’ response…
“Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ …When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him” (Mark 5:36, 38-40 NIV).
So the weeping and crying among this group of mourners turned to mockery and ridicule as they “…laughed [Jesus] to scorn” (KJV). Nevertheless, Mark 5:40 tells us, “…After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was” (NIV).
We should notice that Jesus did not attempt to strike back at those who mocked Him, nor did He insult them in return. Instead, He “…sent them all out of the house” (CEV) and took control of the situation…
“Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, ‘Talitha, cumi,’ which is translated, ‘Little girl, I say to you, arise.’ Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat” (Mark 5:40-43).
So those who mocked Jesus were dismissed from His presence. But those who put their faith and trust in Him received an opportunity to see His miraculous work in this child’s life. Thus, as we are reminded in the New Testament epistle of 1 Peter…
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified” (1 Peter 4:14).