How Much Humiliation?
Matthew 27:37-44
37And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
38Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.
39And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
40and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,
42“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
43He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
44And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Jesus has suffered betrayal by His friends, unjust trials, scourging, crucifixion, and now the taunts of by-passers. The One who gave up everything for all of us now faces the pompous ridicule of people who have no idea who they mock. What is it about human nature that wants to further abuse the weak? Jesus, of course, was by no means weak. But He appeared to be so and those who stood beneath the cross felt the need to further His pain with their words. It was unnecessary and only serves to further the humiliation that has been heaped upon Jesus. Not mankind's finest hour. Despite this continued torture Jesus does nothing to combat His assailants. He just hangs there and completes the work that is before Him; our salvation.
37And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
38Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.
39And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
40and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,
42“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.
43He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
44And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Jesus has suffered betrayal by His friends, unjust trials, scourging, crucifixion, and now the taunts of by-passers. The One who gave up everything for all of us now faces the pompous ridicule of people who have no idea who they mock. What is it about human nature that wants to further abuse the weak? Jesus, of course, was by no means weak. But He appeared to be so and those who stood beneath the cross felt the need to further His pain with their words. It was unnecessary and only serves to further the humiliation that has been heaped upon Jesus. Not mankind's finest hour. Despite this continued torture Jesus does nothing to combat His assailants. He just hangs there and completes the work that is before Him; our salvation.
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