What is the meaning of Matthew 27:40? You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days • The crowd throws Jesus’ own words back at Him, twisting His prophecy in John 2:19—“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” • They fixate on the physical temple, missing that Jesus spoke of His body and the coming resurrection (John 2:20-22; Mark 14:58). • Their mockery fulfills Psalm 69:9, where zeal for God’s house brings reproach, and Psalm 22:7, which foresees scorn at the cross. save Yourself! • The taunt highlights their shallow view: power should serve self-preservation. Yet Jesus consistently taught self-sacrifice (Matthew 20:28). • He could call “more than twelve legions of angels” (Matthew 26:53), but chooses the cross to save others (Isaiah 53:5-6; Hebrews 9:26). • By refusing to “save Himself,” He becomes the Savior (Romans 5:8). If You are the Son of God • Echoes Satan’s challenge in the wilderness (Matthew 4:3, 6), showing the same temptation: prove identity through spectacle instead of obedience. • Jesus’ sonship had already been declared by the Father at His baptism and transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; 17:5); no further proof was needed. • True sonship is revealed in perfect submission to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:8; John 8:29). come down from the cross! • The demand seeks a sign, but Scripture had foretold that Christ must remain on the cross and die (Psalm 22:16-18; Zechariah 12:10). • Coming down would nullify redemption; staying secures it (Colossians 1:20; 1 Peter 2:24). • Ironically, by not coming down, He accomplishes what no visible miracle could—atonement for sin and victory over death (John 19:30; Hebrews 12:2). summary Matthew 27:40 captures the world’s misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. Mockers twist His words, urge self-rescue, question His identity, and demand immediate relief. Jesus answers none of it. By remaining on the cross, He proves His prophetic word true, embodies perfect obedience as the Son of God, and secures salvation for all who believe. |
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