News through the gospel lens: The Muslim protests

Some Muslims again are participating in protests -- some violent -- at various locations around the globe, this time apparently in response to a short film posted online.

What is a gospel-focused way to view this development?

David Mathis provided helpful insight by posting Sept. 14 on the Desiring God blog some quotes from John Piper and brief commentary. The Piper comments come from an important 2006 article in response to protests by Muslims against another affront to their prophet, Muhammad. You may read Piper's 2006 article here.

Here are some quotes from that article:

The work of Muhammad is based on being honored and the work of Christ is based on being insulted. This produces two very different reactions to mockery.

For Christ, enduring the mockery of the cross was the essence of his mission. And for a true follower of Christ enduring suffering patiently for the glory of Christ is the essence of obedience.

[A] religion with no insulted Savior will not endure insults to win the scoffers. It means that this religion is destined to bear the impossible load of upholding the honor of one who did not die and rise again to make that possible. It means that Jesus Christ is still the only hope of peace with God and peace with man. And it means that his followers must be willing to "share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death" (Philippians 3:10).