Envy and Fear Mock the Son of God – But He Would Not Come Down (Matthew 27:32-44).Sunday April 12, 2026
The Road to the Cross
Mat 27:32-44 As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.
33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink.
35 And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. 37 And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
38 At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." 41 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 "HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" 44 The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.
The Scene: A Normal Roman Crucifixion.
Romans reserved crucifixion primarily for rebels, slaves, and non-citizens as a tool of psychological terror and public propaganda.
Psa 69:20-21 Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none. 21 They also gave me gall for my food And for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
Not only the gall, but the cheap wine they put it in.
Psa 22:16-18 For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; 18 They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.
The proof against Jesus, to His mockers, was His crucifixion. The proof for Jesus is in fact His crucifixion.
The Mockery: Envy and Fear Exposed.
The line they quote (Psa 22:8) is connected with a line on God’s offspring (son of God; Psa 22:9-10).
Psa 22:8-10 "Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."
9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts. 10 Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother's womb.
Jesus’ Response – Our Example and Application.
Not coming down from the cross, or calling for the legions of angels, is the greatest miracle He ever did. “When I am weak, then I am strong.”
1Pe 2:21-23 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
1Pe 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. It was outside the city walls (sin sacrifice burned outside the walls; parable of the wicked tenants threw the son outside – captures rejection.
Heb 13:12-13 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
All mocked Him. It is okay to have no one but God.
Psa 69:20 Reproach has broken my heart and I am so sick. And I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none.
Leave all vengeance in the Father’s hands. Believe and bear the reproach of the lost. Look to Christ on the cross as your example. |