Olympic Mockery

During the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics there was a scene depicted that appeared to mock Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”.  Christians around the world raised their voices in protests of the apparent mockery and its insult to Christianity. Thomas Jolly, the artistic director stated on French television that da Vinci’s painting was not his inspiration after he said earlier that it was his inspiration. His later words were that he did not intend to “be subversive”, “mock”, or “shock”.

However, the similarity of certain scenes in the tableau to the Lord’s Supper painting is undeniable. To add insult to injury the tableau was performed by drag queens and models who struck poses reminiscent of the painting in question. The latest word from the organizers behind the event were that the tableau was to represent Greek culture and the Greek god Dionysius in honor of the Greek roots of the Olympic games.

Regardless of which portrayal was intended, the display was inappropriate for what is supposed to be a wholesome, family-friendly opening of a worldwide athletic competition. So how do we, as followers of Jesus, react and how should we react when we perceive Christianity being mocked or inappropriate things being shown?

Regarding mockery the first thoughts that come to mind are, “why are we surprised?” and “why are we upset?” Did we forget that Jesus was mocked for about 24 hours during a trial, a beating, while nails were hammered through his wrists and ankles, and while he died on that cross. His words about his mockers were “Forgive them…”

In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.” The apostle Paul, in Romans 12, said “Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse.”

When I was a kid my sister and I fought all the time. I learned exactly how to push her buttons, and she learned how to push mine. Over the years I figured out that when she pushed my buttons and I reacted intensely with anger, frustration or yes, sometimes violence, she won. I had allowed her to control my actions, my attitudes, and my feelings about her. As a pastor I learned that the essence of forgiveness is not allowing the offender control over what I do, what I think, how I feel or how I react.

The French artist, the organizational committee, and the people who knowingly participated in the offensive display seem to have intentionally pushed the buttons of the Christian community. In a sense, they pushed a button to see whether the followers of Jesus would respond as he responded – with truth, grace and forgiveness and an invitation to follow Him, or if we would respond with desires for vengeance, an outcry to punish all Olympians by withdrawing our support, and with condemnation and judgment that we claim is not ours to exercise.

Is it okay to voice our objections to being mocked and being confronted with ungodly lifestyles in our living rooms? Absolutely it is. It is being salt and light in the world. It serves as the conscience of our culture to call for accountability and evaluation when these things happen.

Let the financial sponsors and the networks who produced this mockery know that you will not financially support any advertiser who doesn’t take a stand against all forms of disrespect and mockery of people and their religions. If you choose to boycott the Olympics, let the French committee know and know why so that your actions are known and explained, not just an anonymous avoidance that is meaningless. But let them know why in a spirit of love and compassion.

The people who planned and participated in this event are people who want from life the same things you and I trust God to provide. They search for validation, love, affirmation, acceptance and community, but they have turned to alternative lifestyles in their search. We can understand their hearts needs and my exhortation is that we challenge the production and its inappropriate presentation with the compassion of Jesus. As he said… ”they know not what they do.”

Personally, I am watching and enjoying the Olympics. I have chosen to support the young men and women who have worked so hard to represent their countries despite the mockery. At the same time, I’m noting the sponsors, the endorsements (you know, the official _____ of the Olympic games) and am writing letters voicing my displeasure with the scene they brought into our living rooms. I’m asking them to take a stand, to withdraw sponsorship, to ensure something similar doesn't happen again. But this is my choice and my attempt to both be the conscience of the culture, salt and light in the world, and to respond as Christ would respond to mockery and persecution. You respond as you believe Christ would respond in your shoes, not mine.

Heed the words of Peter in 1 Peter 3 - 15 But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 16 Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

Act, and voice concern to those who insist on calling evil good, and good evil. But do it in a way that says God loves you, God’s people love you, and together we desire a better life for you now and forever.