Five Bold Taunts: Matthew 27:38-44
“38) At that time two robbers *were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. 39) And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads 40) 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.” 41) In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42) “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43) He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” 44) The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.” Matthew 27:38-44
At first glance, it is hard to understand the mocking Jesus endured while on the cross. As we analyze these verses, five basic taunts emerge. Each of them represent a bold challenge leveled against Jesus while He was helplessly hanging on the cross. Let’s try to capture the essence of each taunt.
You said you could destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! This could be called “The Religious Establishment Taunt!” We challenge you to change this temple system! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross. This could be called “The Identity Taunt.” We challenge you to prove your Divine Nature! He saves others; He cannot save Himself. This could be called the “The Great Physician Taunt.” We challenge you to heal Yourself! If you are the king of Israel, come down from the cross. This could be called “The Political Taunt.” We challenge you to overthrow Rome! You trust in God, let Him deliver you now if He takes pleasure in you. This could be called “The Divine Intervention Taunt.” We challenge God to show up and save you!
When you look at these five taunts, they were challenging every office of Christ the Messiah from an immediate human perspective. They wanted Him to do them all right then and right there! That seems to be a common tendency from those who test and provoke God! They want it on their terms.
But wait, as we review these taunts… every one of them was fulfilled. The Temple is long gone! (Matthew 24:1-2) Jesus proved to be the Son of God with Power by the resurrection from the dead! (Romans 1:4) Jesus rose from the dead in a healed and glorified body. (John 20:26-29) Rome had a great fall. (Romans 1:18-32) And Jesus is at the right hand of His Father. (Acts 7:55-56) We could elaborate a long time on each of these and greatly color in each of these points. History is “His Story!”
This stands as a solemn warning to small people who bring big taunts against God! He may put up with you for a short period of time, but He always prevails.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
