What is the meaning of Luke 23:39? One of the criminals who hung there • Luke 23:32 notes that “two others, who were criminals, were also led away to be executed with Him,” showing Jesus literally placed in the midst of sinners (Isaiah 53:12). • This man is “one of” two; the other will soon repent (Luke 23:40–43). Their different responses highlight every person’s choice at the cross (John 3:18). • The scene underscores substitution: the sinless One takes the spot sinners deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21), while sinners watch Him suffer where they should have been. heaped abuse on Him • Matthew 27:44 records both criminals starting out in mockery; here Luke zooms in on the one who keeps it up. Fulfillment of Psalm 22:7–8—“All who see Me mock Me.” • Jesus endures words just as painful as nails. 1 Peter 2:23 reminds us He “did not retaliate,” modeling patient trust in the Father. • Abuse at this late hour shows hardness of heart can persist right up to death (Hebrews 3:13). Rejection isn’t for lack of evidence but lack of humility. Are You not the Christ? • The question oozes sarcasm, yet it unwittingly affirms a core truth. Even scoffers recognize the claim (Mark 14:61). • John 10:24 mirrors the taunt: “If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” The issue is never information but submission. • Demons confessed His Messiahship (Luke 4:41); this criminal speaks similar words without faith, proving that mere acknowledgment isn’t saving faith (James 2:19). Save Yourself and us! • The demand echoes Satan’s temptation: “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Luke 4:9–12). The enemy always presses for a cross-less rescue. • Religious leaders hurled the same dare (Mark 15:31). Crowd, rulers, soldiers, and criminal all chant one message: “Come down!” Yet Jesus stays up—for us. • He wants instant, earthly escape, not eternal redemption. Jesus could have answered (John 12:27), but He chooses the Father’s will so He can “save completely” all who draw near (Hebrews 7:25). • Ironically, the only way to save “us” is to refuse to save Himself (John 10:17–18). summary One criminal, hanging beside Jesus, fulfills prophecy by mocking the sinless Savior. His sneer questions Christ’s identity and demands a self-serving miracle. Unbelief sees the cross as weakness, not salvation. Yet by staying on that cross, Jesus secures the very rescue the scoffer dismisses. The verse warns against hardened hearts and points to the true path of salvation: humble faith, not sarcastic demands. |
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