One of the most action-packed and interesting chapters in the life of Christ is Mark chapter five. In this chapter, Jesus proved himself to be the dearest friend of a certain demoniac, whom he healed, a woman with an issue of blood, whom he cured and a man by the name of Jairus whose daughter he raised from the dead. Those of Jairus’ household understood that the little girl was dead (Mk. 5:35). Jesus pronounced her condition as a sleep (cf. John 11:11,14), saying, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping" (Mk. 5:39). Sadly, the text sets forth the reaction of those who heard his words, "And they laughed Him to scorn" (Mk. 5:40).

Can you imagine anyone laughing at the words of Jesus? As hard as it is to fathom, this is what those of Jairus’ house did. However, we must be careful that we do not do the same. True, we may not actually laugh out loud, but by our actions in regard to what the Lord has said we can certainly figuratively laugh him to scorn, to disdainfully spurn His words.

How do we sometimes laugh Jesus to scorn? Consider that we laugh Jesus to scorn when…

1. We make fun of his church (Mt. 16:16-18; Acts 20:28).
2. We refuse to obey His plan of salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 2 Thes. 1:7-9).
3. We ignore those who are lost (Lk. 19:10; Mt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:15).
4. We give Him only second best (Mt. 6:33; Lk. 12:31; 14:33).
5. We spend hours with others but precious few minutes in prayer (Jas. 5:16; Lk. 18:1; 1 Peter 5:7).
6. We talk, act and live like those in the world (Jn. 15:18,19; 1 Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4).
7. We treat worship lightly rather than reverently (Jn. 4:24; 1 Chron. 16:29).
8. We use the majority of our finances for our own pleasure and give Him the scraps (Mal. 3:8-10; Lk. 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 9:6,7; Acts 20:35).

9. We demonstrate a lack of love toward our brethren (Jn. 13:34,35; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Jn. 4:7,8).

10. We are slothful servants in His Kingdom (Jn. 9:4; 1 Cor. 15:58; Acts 2:42).