Question
I’m a follower of Jesus. Sometimes when I talk about Jesus with people, they start laughing or they mock me for following Jesus. What would be a good way to respond to such mockery? What would Jesus do?
Direct Answer
Mockery hurts. Jesus never told His followers to pretend rejection does not wound them. But He did teach us not to answer mockery with mockery, bitterness, or shame.
A good response is gentle, calm, and truthful. You might say:
“I understand you may not believe what I believe, but Jesus means a lot to me. I’m not trying to force you—I’m just sharing what has changed my life.”
Then, if they continue mocking, you do not have to keep arguing. You can stay peaceful, pray for them, and let your life bear witness.
Jesus would not return insult for insult. He would remain rooted in the Father, speak truth when it was useful, stay silent when hearts were hardened, and keep loving without being controlled by their rejection.
Biblical Reference
Jesus said His followers should expect rejection for His sake:
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”
— Matthew 5:11
He then said:
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven…”
— Matthew 5:12
Jesus Himself was mocked. Before the crucifixion, soldiers mocked Him, struck Him, and put a crown of thorns on His head:
“And they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!”
— Matthew 27:29
Even on the cross, people mocked Him:
“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads…”
— Matthew 27:39
And Scripture describes His way of responding:
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”
— 1 Peter 2:23
Jesus also taught:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them…”
— Matthew 5:44
Present-Day Translation
When someone laughs at you for following Jesus, try to respond in a way that keeps your heart clean.
First, stay gentle. Do not let their tone become your tone. A calm answer often shows more strength than a clever comeback.
Second, speak simply. You do not have to win the argument. You can say, “I follow Jesus because I believe He is true, and He has changed my life.”
Third, know when to stop. If someone is only mocking and not listening, Jesus would not force the conversation. He would leave the door open, but He would not throw holy things into a place of contempt.
Your goal is not to look powerful. Your goal is to look like Jesus: humble, truthful, courageous, and loving. Their laughter does not make your faith foolish. Sometimes it simply means they do not yet understand the One you love.