Matthew 27:32โ44 โ The Crucifixion of Jesus and the Mocking by Soldiers and Crowd
๐ Passage
Matthew 27:32โ44
Read Matthew 27:32โ44 (NKJV)
๐ง Context & Background
As Jesus is led to His crucifixion, the Gospel accounts show the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and humiliation. Roman crucifixion was not only a torturous death but also a public display meant to shame and deter others. Along the way, Simon of Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross, illustrating the reality of Jesus' physical weakness from the beatings He endured. At Golgotha, He is offered wine mixed with gall, a fulfillment of Psalm 69:21. The mocking by soldiers, religious leaders, and even criminals fulfills Psalm 22 and underscores the blindness of those who reject Him, even in the face of His sacrificial love.
๐ฟ Key Themes
- Fulfillment of Prophecy โ Details of the crucifixion match Old Testament descriptions.
- Substitutionary Suffering โ Jesus endures shame and pain in place of sinners.
- Mockery of the Messiah โ Humanity's rebellion expressed in derision toward God's Son.
- Sovereignty in Suffering โ Even the insults and details of the crucifixion were foretold.
๐ Verse-by-Verse Commentary
Matthew 27:32โ34 โ The Road to Golgotha
"They found a man of Cyrene, Simon by nameโฆ"
- Simon of Cyrene โ Likely a Jewish pilgrim; his forced service mirrors the call to "carry your cross" (Matthew 16:24).
- Wine Mixed with Gall โ Possibly a narcotic for pain; Jesus refuses, choosing to face suffering fully conscious.
- Psalm 69:21 Fulfilled โ "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink."
Matthew 27:35โ37 โ The Crucifixion and Inscription
"They crucified himโฆ and over his head they put the charge against himโฆ"
- Casting Lots โ Soldiers divide His garments, fulfilling Psalm 22:18.
- Public Charge โ "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews" ironically declares the truth His enemies reject.
- Shame and Mockery โ Crucifixion strips dignity; Christ bore this shame for our redemption.
Matthew 27:38โ44 โ Mockery from All Sides
"Those who passed by derided himโฆ"
- Two Criminals โ Fulfillment of Isaiah 53:12, numbered with transgressors.
- Taunts to Prove His Power โ Misunderstanding the Messiah's mission; they demand self-deliverance rather than salvation for others.
- Religious Leaders' Hypocrisy โ Claim they would believe if He came down, ignoring the greater miracle of His atoning death.
- Persistent Rejection โ Even in agony, Jesus is despised and rejected, fulfilling messianic prophecy.
๐ Trusted Insight
"Spurgeon observed, 'They mocked Him because He would not save Himself. It was the very glory of our Lord that He could save others because He did not save Himself.'" This truth reveals the paradox of the crossโJesus' refusal to escape His suffering is the very means by which salvation is accomplished.
Summary: In the humiliation and mockery of the cross, Jesus fulfills prophecy, bears the shame of sinners, and demonstrates the self-giving love that secures salvation.
๐งฉ Review Questions
- How do the events of Matthew 27:32โ44 fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
- Why is Simon of Cyrene's role significant in understanding discipleship?
- What is ironic about the inscription placed above Jesus' head?
- How does the mockery of Jesus point to humanity's misunderstanding of the Messiah's mission?
๐ Definitions
- Golgotha โ "Place of a Skull," the site of Jesus' crucifixion.
- Gall โ A bitter substance, possibly myrrh or another herb mixed in wine.
- Casting Lots โ An ancient method of making decisions or dividing property, akin to drawing straws.
๐ Application Questions
- How does Jesus' refusal to avoid suffering shape your understanding of sacrificial love?
- In what ways might we, like the mockers, expect God to act according to our expectations rather than His plan?
- What does it mean for you personally to "carry your cross" as Simon did?
๐ค Greek Keywords
- ฯฯฮฑฯ ฯฯฯ (stauroล) โ "To crucify," meaning to affix to a cross.
- ฯฮฟฮปฮฎ (cholฤ) โ "Gall" or bitter substance; used metaphorically for extreme bitterness.
- แผฮผฯฮฑฮฏฮถฯ (empaizล) โ "To mock, ridicule," especially with malice.
๐ Cross References
- Psalm 22:7โ8 โ Prophecy of mocking the suffering righteous one.
- Psalm 22:18 โ Division of garments by casting lots.
- Isaiah 53:12 โ Messiah numbered with transgressors.
- Psalm 69:21 โ Sour wine given to the suffering one.
- Matthew 16:24 โ Call to take up one's cross and follow Jesus.