Topical Encyclopedia Blasphemy, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. It is a grave sin that is often associated with verbal expressions of disrespect or irreverence towards the divine. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospels, presents a poignant instance of blasphemy, where various individuals and groups reviled Him during His final hours on the cross.The Setting of the Crucifixion The crucifixion of Jesus is a central event in the New Testament, occurring at Golgotha, also known as the Place of the Skull. This event is recorded in all four Gospels, each providing unique details about the circumstances and the people involved. As Jesus was crucified, He was subjected to mockery and scorn by different groups, including the religious leaders, Roman soldiers, and even those crucified alongside Him. The Religious Leaders The chief priests, scribes, and elders were among the most vocal in their blasphemy against Jesus. These religious leaders, who had long opposed Jesus' teachings and authority, seized the opportunity to mock Him as He hung on the cross. In Matthew 27:41-43 , it is recorded: "In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, 'He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’" Their words were not only a rejection of Jesus' messianic claims but also a direct challenge to His divine relationship with God the Father. By mocking His inability to save Himself, they blasphemed against His power and identity as the Son of God. The Roman Soldiers The Roman soldiers, who were responsible for carrying out the crucifixion, also participated in the blasphemy against Jesus. They mocked Him by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and giving Him a reed as a scepter, sarcastically hailing Him as "King of the Jews" (Matthew 27:28-29). Their actions were a cruel parody of His kingship, intended to humiliate and degrade Him. Furthermore, as Jesus hung on the cross, the soldiers cast lots for His garments and continued to mock Him, saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" (Luke 23:36-37). Their blasphemy was rooted in their ignorance of His true identity and their participation in the worldly power structures that sought to suppress the truth of His kingship. The Bystanders and Passersby The general populace, including those who passed by the crucifixion site, also joined in the blasphemy. Matthew 27:39-40 describes how they "heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, 'You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!'" These taunts were a distortion of Jesus' earlier teachings and a challenge to His divine authority. The Criminals Crucified with Jesus Even the criminals crucified alongside Jesus participated in the blasphemy. Initially, both criminals mocked Him, as recorded in Matthew 27:44 : "In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him." However, one of the criminals later repented and recognized Jesus' innocence and divinity, asking Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom (Luke 23:39-42). Theological Implications The revilers of Jesus at His crucifixion represent a profound rejection of His identity and mission. Their blasphemy underscores the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that can lead individuals to reject the truth of God, even when it is manifest before them. The mockery and scorn directed at Jesus highlight the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Psalm 22, which foretold the suffering and derision the Messiah would endure. In the face of such blasphemy, Jesus' response was one of forgiveness and grace, as He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). This act of divine mercy serves as a powerful testament to His love and the redemptive purpose of His sacrifice. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 27:40-44,63And saying, You that destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself. If you be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Nave's Topical Index Library The Warrant of Faith Instructions to Catechumens. Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Dialogue i. --The Immutable. The Doctrine part ii The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources Didn't the Old Testament punish blasphemy with death? How is that different from radical Islam? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the unpardonable sin / unforgivable sin? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)? | GotQuestions.org Blasphemy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Blasphemy Against the Holy Ghost Blasphemy of the Israelites, in Complaining Against God Blasphemy: Against the Holy Spirit, Unpardonable Blasphemy: Backslidden Ephesians Blasphemy: Charged Upon Christ Blasphemy: Charged Upon Saints Blasphemy: Christ Assailed With Blasphemy: Connected With Folly and Pride Blasphemy: False Indictments for of Naboth Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Jesus Falsely Accused of, Previously to his Trial Blasphemy: False Indictments For: Stephen Blasphemy: General Scriptures Concerning Blasphemy: Gives No Occasion For Blasphemy: Hypocrisy Counted As Blasphemy: Idolatry Counted As Blasphemy: Infidels, Who Used the Adultery of David As an Occasion to Blaspheme Blasphemy: Job's Wife, when She Exhorted Job to Curse God and Die Blasphemy: Peter, when Accused of Being a Disciple of Jesus Blasphemy: Proceeds from the Heart Blasphemy: Rabshakeh, in the Siege of Jerusalem Blasphemy: Saints Grieved to Hear Blasphemy: Shimei, in his Malice Toward David Blasphemy: The Depraved Son of Shelomith, Who, in an Altercation With an Israelite, Cursed God Blasphemy: The Revilers of Jesus, when he Was Crucified Blasphemy: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms |
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