Mocking Jesus of Nazareth is nothing new. Whether it is today’s Lady Gaga or a “Hunky Jesus” contest in San Francisco, Jesus has been the subject of ridicule by those who do not know Him.
Even on the day we call Good Friday, the day he hung on a cross for the sins of others (not His own, for He had none), He was ridiculed. “Come down from the cross and then we’ll believe,” some shouted. They wouldn’t have believed if He had, because they refused to believe all the other miracles He performed before their eyes.
Lady Gaga’s latest attempt at blasphemy is called “Judas” from her “Born This Way” album. In the “song” she sings she’s in love with the betrayer of Jesus. Nice. It is a “Springtime for Hitler” moment without the humor.
In San Francisco, a gay group employs the cross, the crown of thorns and men with beards as part of their "contest." I’ll leave the rest to someone’s twisted imagination.
It has always been something of a curiosity to Christians that Jesus wasn’t mocked then – or now – for what He did. He demonstrated compassion and concern for the poor and forgiveness to prostitutes and tax collectors who repented.
Rather, He was mocked for the darkness He revealed in each of us and the refusal by many to come to the Light, because they (and we) prefer to remain in darkness rather than be cleansed by the light. Perhaps this mocking has something to do with the way a few who claim to be His followers misrepresent Him. That may be worth mocking, but He isn’t.
Today’s mockers would never dare to speak ill of Muhammed. They might have their throats slit, or their homes blown-up.
A cartoonist, who did something as innocent as portraying Muhammed in a bear costume, received death threats.
Others have been the victims of more than threats. They have been murdered because they “offended” some self-appointed defender of Islam. No wonder people are afraid to mock Muhammed. Jesus is always a safe target, because His followers are unlikely to retaliate, just as He did not retaliate when false charges were brought against Him.
For the atheists and other unbelievers who enjoy mocking events holy to Christians, I recommend setting aside on the calendar a special day for them to enjoy and celebrate. Let it be April 1, because “the fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
As for mocking Jesus, I give you this verse from Galatians 6:7: “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
Happy Easter! He is Risen!! Just as He said.
Cal Thomas is America's most widely syndicated newspaper columnist and a Fox News contributor.
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