What is the meaning of Matthew 27:44? In the same way The ridicule Jesus received from passers-by, chief priests, and elders (Matthew 27:39–43) did not stop with them. “In the same way” links the mockery of these leaders to what follows, showing that the sneering now spills over onto the cross-beam beside Him. The continuity reminds us that hostility toward the Savior was universal at the scene—religious authorities (Luke 23:35), soldiers (Luke 23:36–37), and now fellow condemned men. Isaiah had foretold this collective contempt when he prophesied the Suffering Servant would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Even while immobile on the cross, Jesus continues to fulfill Scripture. even the robbers Matthew tells us that “even the robbers” hurled insults. The word “even” underscores how astonishing it is that criminals sharing His fate joined in the taunts. Their own guilt did not soften their hearts; sin blinds so thoroughly that the condemned scoff at the Innocent. Luke records that both criminals began with mockery (Luke 23:39), though one would later repent (Luke 23:40–43). John 10:10 reminds us that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” and here the thieves’ words reflect the destructive nature of unbelief. who were crucified with Him These men are not distant critics but literal neighbors on a cross. Isaiah 53:12 had prophesied that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors,” and Mark 15:27–28 confirms this fulfillment. Their proximity gave them a front-row seat to Jesus’ suffering and His gracious words (“Father, forgive them,” Luke 23:34), yet proximity without faith produced only bitterness. Being near holy things does not automatically produce holiness—Hebrews 6:4–6 warns of the danger of tasting heavenly realities and still turning away. berated Him The insults weren’t whispers; Matthew says they “berated Him,” voicing scorn and unbelief. Psalm 22:7–8 anticipated this: “All who see Me mock Me; they shake their heads and say, ‘He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD deliver Him.’” Their mockery centered on Jesus’ claim to be Savior—ironically, He was at that very moment achieving salvation for any who would believe, including one of the robbers who soon would cry, “Jesus, remember me” (Luke 23:42). Romans 5:8 later celebrates this paradox: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” summary Matthew 27:44 shows that the wave of derision washing over Jesus included even those suffering beside Him. Their mocking fulfills prophecy, displays the depth of human sin, and magnifies grace—because one scoffer becomes a believer moments later, and Jesus’ atoning work covers even such antagonism. The verse reminds us that no heart is too hard for Christ to soften, and no sin too vile for His cross to forgive. |
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