When a person says the opposite of what they mean, this is a lie if the listener is not aware that it is false. However if the listener is aware, then they share a little joke.
It is the speaker daring to say the wrong message that may be what others say, to criticize it – and the listener is along for the ride. They share a joke.
Sarcasm can be kindly or cruel. As a speech style it is powerful though dangerous to use. A person has to hope that the listener understands the joke.
Eg. ( when something goes wrong) Oh great! That’s just what I needed
Eg. (when it is pouring rain) Well let’s get the picnic stuff ready.
It can also be insult.
Eg. I was so sad, it was almost like having you here
Jesus used sarcasm, and cleverly.
Art thou a master of Israel and knowest not these things?
Did not Moses give you the law and yet none of you keepeth the law?
if I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil, but if well, why smitest thou me? Many good works have I shewed you. For which of those works do ye stone me?
why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother’s eye but considerest not the beam that is in thy own?
ye strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
I speak that which I have seen with my Father. Ye do that which ye have seen with your father
John came neither eating nor drinking and they say He hath a devil
The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you
The son of man came eating and drinking and they say Behold a man gluttonous, winebibber
The devil that taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved
They which are gorgeously appareled and live delicately are in kings’ courts
What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? A man in soft raiment?
Ye seek not, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves and were filled
ye which receive honour one of another and seek not the honour that cometh from God ?
Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?
having eyes see ye not? having ears hear ye not?
How can ye being evil speak good things?
Is a candle to be put under a bushel or under a bed?
Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath day or to do evil?
Speech Style of Jesus 