“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,” – Matthew 27:39 (KJV)
“The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery.” – Matthew 27:39 (NLT)
“The people passing by jeered, shaking their heads in mockery.” – Matthew 27:39 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 27:39 Mean?
This verse describes a moment when Jesus was crucified, and the people who walked by insulted him. They were mocking him while he was in great pain, which tells us a lot about human nature at that time as well as today. It shows how some people react to those who are suffering. They wanted to ridicule him, thinking that if he claimed to be a king, he should save himself. This scenario highlights the lack of understanding of the significance of what was happening at that moment.
In this scene, we see the crowd’s cruelty and how they took the opportunity to jeer at Jesus. Many probably thought they were better than him, not recognizing their own sins and failures. They saw him as a failure and mocked him, believing that a true king would not allow himself to be in such a position.
Matthew 27:39 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 27:39, we notice a powerful image of humanity’s darkness. The people who walked by Jesus were not just onlookers; they were active participants in the crucifixion narrative. This moment reveals a contrast between Jesus and those mocking him. Here was Jesus, the Son of God, enduring unimaginable pain and suffering. He did not retaliate or insult back, showing a profound example of love and forgiveness. In contrast, those passing by expressed their ignorance and cruelty.
This mocking does not just highlight how people treated Jesus but serves as a mirror to reflect our actions and attitudes. Sometimes, we might laugh, criticize, or look down on others without understanding their struggles. We often forget that every person holds intrinsic value, created in the image of God. The mocking crowd shows us a sad truth about mankind’s tendency to turn away from compassion during difficult times.
When we see Jesus crying out for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him, this goes hand in hand with the ridicule thrown at him. It illustrates God’s unwavering love and grace, even in moments of deep despair. In our lives, we may find ourselves in situations where we are hurt or mocked. How do we respond? This verse challenges us to reflect on our reactions and reminds us that despite what others may say or do, we are called to respond with kindness and grace.
We should strive to extend the same forgiveness and love that Jesus did, even to those who may not deserve it. By embracing a loving heart, we can overcome the urge to mock or belittle others, understanding that we are all human and make mistakes.
Context of Matthew 27:39
To fully appreciate the impact of Matthew 27:39, we need to consider the overall context of the crucifixion story. Just prior to this verse, Jesus had been arrested, tried, and condemned to death. He was subjected to mockery and humiliation during his trial. The chief priests, elders, and even the crowd had turned against him after they had once tolerated his teachings.
In the backdrop of this cruel ridicule was also fulfillment of prophecy. The Old Testament forecasts that the Messiah would have to suffer and be scorned. Jesus’ willingness to face such humiliation was part of God’s grand plan for redemption. It was essential for the salvation of humanity that He completes His mission on earth, even at the cost of His life.
This context gives us a deeper understanding of the significance of their jeers. People did not recognize that Jesus was not just any man but the Savior who came to save them from their sins. They were too blinded by their judgments and preconceived notions of who Christ was. Their actions represented a moment of spiritual blindness that affects many people even today. As we recall their actions, it serves as a warning for us not to dismiss the true nature of Jesus or the depth of His love.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:39
This verse contains specific elements worth examining closely. The phrase “they that passed by” highlights the transitory nature of life. People often come and go, but their choices can leave an impact on someone else’s life. Each passerby had the choice to stop and show kindness or continue on without a thought. Sadly, their choice was to scorn.
The act of “wagging their heads” is symbolic of disdain and disbelief. To physically shake one’s head at someone implies a rejection of their message or worth. The crowd’s reaction reminds us of how easily humans can discard compassion and empathy in the face of someone’s suffering. We should take the opportunity to reflect: Are we quick to dismiss those who struggle in our lives?
Lastly, the act of reviling or mocking Jesus pulls back the curtain on their hearts. They demonstrated a hardened attitude, one that found joy in belittling another. As followers of Christ, we must be vigilant in examining our words and attitudes to ensure we uplift one another instead of tearing each other down.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 27:39
From Matthew 27:39, we can pull several vital lessons. First, we see that it is easy to judge when we do not understand the whole story. The onlookers saw a man who was beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross and assumed he was powerless. They did not realize that this sacrifice held the key to their salvation. How often do we overlook the truth because we are caught up in our perceptions?
Another lesson centers on the importance of compassion. Instead of joining the jeering crowd, we can choose to be empathetic and approach those who suffer with open hearts. Jesus modeled vulnerability and grace, teaching us the value of nurturing rather than condemning. We all have the power to encourage one another—this can begin with a simple act of kindness to someone who is struggling.
Finally, this verse serves as a reminder of our call to love those who may hurt us. Just as Jesus asked for forgiveness for those who mocked Him, we too are called to forgive those who have wronged us. This may be tough, but it brings hope and healing to our hearts. In moments when we find ourselves hurt or wronged, we must also remember to extend grace. Each of us is deserving of love and forgiveness, and we can reflect Christ’s light by sharing that love with others.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 27:39 illustrates a significant moment in Jesus’ journey. As we step back and reflect on the jeers aimed at Him, we must also consider our roles as followers of Christ. Instead of treating one another with scorn, we should nurture love and compassion. As we go about our days, let us remember to be kind and forgiving. The choices we make and the words we say can hold immense power and potential.
Jesus faced immense challenges, yet he chose love over hatred. By following His example, we can live a life that reflects His teachings and stands in stark contrast to the crowd that mocked Him. Let us strive to be lights in this world, sharing peace, love, and grace with those we encounter.
If you would like to explore more topics related to faith, check out Matthew 11 or learn more about the beginnings of our faith in Genesis 185. There is much more to uncover in our journey as we grow closer to God.