What does Matthew 27:38 teach about the world's rejection of Jesus? Reading the Verse “At that time two rebels were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.” (Matthew 27:38) Visible Rejection on Display • Rome reserved crucifixion for society’s worst; placing Jesus between criminals publicly labeled Him the same. • The location—outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:12)—signaled exclusion from the covenant community. • Spectators saw three crosses and assumed equal guilt, proving Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by men.” Prophetic Fulfillment: Numbered with Transgressors • Isaiah 53:12—“He was numbered with the transgressors.” Matthew records the literal outworking. • Jesus Himself cited this prophecy hours earlier (Luke 22:37), affirming it must be “fulfilled in Me.” • The accuracy underscores God’s sovereign plan in the very act of human rejection. Why the World Rejected Him • Moral confrontation—His holiness exposed sin (John 3:19-20). • Threat to power—religious and civil authorities feared losing control (John 11:48). • Spiritual blindness—“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Fulfillment of Scripture—Psalm 118:22; Acts 4:11 show rejection was foreseen and permitted by God. Contrast: Heaven’s Valuation vs. Earth’s Verdict • Earth: criminal’s cross. Heaven: “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). • Earth: mocked King. Heaven: enthroned King (Philippians 2:9-11). • Earth: shame. Heaven: glory (Hebrews 2:9-10). Echoes Throughout the New Testament • John 1:10-11—“He was in the world… yet the world did not know Him.” • Acts 2:36—Peter declares the crucified Jesus is “both Lord and Christ,” exposing the error of their rejection. • 1 Peter 2:4—Chosen by God, rejected by men. Implications for Believers Today • Expect misunderstanding—Jesus promised His followers similar treatment (John 15:18-20). • Stand firm—worldly rejection does not equal divine rejection. • Proclaim boldly—the cross that marked rejection is the very means of redemption (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Rejoice in identification—sharing in His reproach aligns us with His glory to come (Romans 8:17-18). Summary Matthew 27:38 reveals a world that classifies the sinless Savior as a criminal, fulfilling prophecy and exposing humanity’s deep-seated refusal of divine authority. Yet in that very rejection, God advanced His redemptive plan, turning the world’s lowest verdict into heaven’s highest victory. |
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