In his account of the crucifixion, gospel writer Mark emphasizes the shame heaped on Jesus. This derision and accusation leveled against the righteous by the unrighteous, is more blasphemy than mere mocking or ridicule.  But those who scoffed in that day are not alone.  We join with them by our disbelief or our neglect of the Son of God.  Jesus could have called down help from heaven, stepped down from the cross, and defeated all who do not worship him.  But he was willing to remain in that state of suffering on the cross even to death to make atonement for our sins.  He died for our blasphemy, that we might live.