Luke 23:39
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Luke 23:39
One of the criminals hanging beside Jesus mocks him, challenging Jesus to prove his identity by saving both of them. This taunt climaxes centuries of expectation that the Messiah would manipulate heaven for spectacular displays. The other criminal’s companion is a foil: it shows two responses to the same event—ridicule or repentance—and sets up a contrast that Luke will develop throughout his narrative. The setting emphasizes the moral terrain of the cross: choices are made publicly under pressure, and the consequences are eternal.
This verse foregrounds human disbelief and the testing of Jesus’ identity. The mockery reveals the tragedy of unbelief in the face of revelation. Yet Luke’s Gospel also foreshadows the salvific purpose of Jesus’ suffering: even amid derision, God’s plan is at work. The irony is stark—Jesus, the King, is treated as a criminal, and the man’s plea for rescue highlights the radical nature of grace already breaking into history.
We may also hear dismissive or cynical voices toward faith in times of trouble. The lesson is not to be deterred by mockery but to respond with integrity and humility. When tempted to prove yourself by outward miracles or flashy displays, consider the deeper call: faith expressed in trust, endurance, and mercy. In conversations about faith with friends or family who doubt, practice listening, patience, and a gentle invitation rather than a counter-attack. The scene also invites honest self-reflection: do you tend to become cynical when life hurts, or are you open to grace even in weakness?
Cross-References: Psalm 22:7-8; Isaiah 53:3-5; 1 Corinthians 1:23