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I. The incontestible fact — "He saved others." Let us bring forth witnesses: Angels, healed men and women.

II. Himself He cannot save. He is Divine. The world was made by Him; yet Himself He cannot save. The acts of unlimited providence are ascribed to Him" He sustaineth all things by the word of His power." "Himself He cannot save." The resurrection of the dead, administration of judgment are ascribed to Him. "Himself He cannot save." The power to save Himself is demonstrated in those very acts by which He "saved others." The devils were subject to Him. "No man taketh my life from Me, I lay it down of Myself."

III. However paradoxical all this may seem, I must proceed to ESTABLISH THE MOMENTOUS TRUTH ignorantly expressed in those words. In its literal sense it was false; Jesus was not destitute of physical power to save Himself; in its theological sense it was true. There was no original necessity that the Son of God must die; He might have left the race to perish. The necessity of the death of Jesus was founded —

1. In the purpose and foreordination of God.

2. On the fulfilment which that event gives to the predictions of sacred Scripture.

3. To fulfil the typical representations by which, under the Mosaic law, it had been prefigured.

4. In order to verify His own declarations.

5. As a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the world.

6. In order to the effusion of the Holy Spirit.

7. Even in order to the perfection of His example.Learn:

1. The affecting display which our subject presents of the love of Christ.

2. The glorious and certain effects of the Redeemer's sufferings.

3. I conjure you to seek a personal interest in the important benefits of the Saviour's death.

4. Let it be the theme of your meditation and the confirmation of your faith.

(J. Bowers.)

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KJV: And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

WEB: Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads,