Matthew 27:39

Matthew 27:39

This verse describes passersby and their taunts as they walked by the crucified Jesus, wagging their heads in mockery. Mockery at the moment of vulnerability is a common human impulse when faced with what appears as weakness or challenge to one’s worldview. The crowd’s words reveal hard-hearted skepticism and self-righteousness—an attempt to delegitimize both Jesus and the claim of His kingship. Their words, loaded with sarcasm, echo a broader human tendency to find reasons to reject what is uncomfortable or costly. The scene also foreshadows a deeper rejection by many who would later reject the message of the cross. The mockery is not merely cruel; it is a spiritual confrontation: will one choose to trust Jesus or to scorn Him?

The taunts emphasize the world’s opposition to divine wisdom as revealed in the crucified Messiah. Yet in the paradox of the cross, God’s wisdom shines brightest through human folly. The verse foregrounds the scandal of the cross: the suffering Servant is judged by human spectators as a failed king. This tension invites readers to re-evaluate what counts as “glory” and “power.” Theologically, it points to the necessity of faith to see the deeper meaning beyond outward appearances—the cross as the path to life, not a sign of weakness.

When you face mockery or scorn—whether online, at work, or among friends—remember Jesus’ example. Respond with measured grace rather than retaliatory heat. Practically, one can choose to ignore biting comments or respond with gentle truth, modeling the opposite of bitterness. If you’ve contributed to someone’s pain with sarcasm, apologize and seek to repair trust. Use similar moments to share the gospel winsomely—not by winning an argument, but by demonstrating Christ-like love. Let the cross teach you to care for those dismissed by society and to stand with the vulnerable rather than join the chorus of ridicule.

Cross-References: Luke 23:35-36; Psalm 22:7-8; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; 1 Peter 2:23; Romans 15:3