How does Matthew 27:39 illustrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy? Matthew 27:39 – The Mocking Crowd “Those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads.” Echoes of the Psalms • Psalm 22:7 – “All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads.” • Psalm 109:25 – “I am an object of scorn to them; when they see me, they shake their heads.” • These verses describe the very scene unfolding at the cross, centuries after David penned the words under inspiration. Specific Prophecies Fulfilled • Mocking and verbal abuse (Psalm 22:7; Matthew 27:39) • Head-shaking as a sign of contempt (Psalm 22:7; Psalm 109:25) • Public scorn of the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:3) • Passers-by treating the afflicted as cursed (Lamentations 2:15) Why the Head-Shaking Matters • Cultural sign of utter rejection and ridicule—exactly what the Psalms foresaw. • Confirms Jesus endured not only physical pain but public humiliation foretold in Scripture. • Shows God’s sovereign plan: even casual passers-by acted out prophecy without realizing it. Takeaways for Today • Old Testament prophecy is precise; every detail—including gestures—comes to pass. • Christ’s suffering was comprehensive, embracing every insult we might face. • Scripture’s reliability invites trust: the same God who fulfilled these words keeps every promise still ahead. |
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