Luke 23:35 – “The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.'”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see the reaction of the crowd and the religious leaders as they witness Jesus being crucified. The people watch in silence, while the rulers mock and ridicule Him. Their sneering words highlight their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. They mockingly suggest that if He really were the “Chosen One,” He should save Himself. Ironically, they don’t understand that by not saving Himself, Jesus is actually fulfilling His mission to save others.
The mockery shows their spiritual blindness. They had seen Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and even raise the dead, but they refused to believe that He was the Messiah because He did not fit their expectations. Instead of recognizing His sacrifice as an act of obedience and love, they saw His suffering as proof that He was a fraud.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, the title “Messiah” (or “Christ”) referred to a deliverer who would rescue the Jewish people and establish God’s kingdom. Many Jews expected the Messiah to be a powerful political leader who would overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel’s independence. Jesus’ death on a Roman cross seemed to contradict those expectations, which is why the religious leaders mocked Him.
The rulers’ comment, “He saved others,” likely refers to the miracles and healings Jesus performed throughout His ministry. The religious leaders could not deny His miracles, but they viewed His death as evidence that He was not the Messiah. In their minds, a true Messiah would never be defeated or humiliated like this. However, they failed to understand that Jesus’ mission was spiritual, not political, and that His death was necessary to defeat sin and death.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the misunderstanding that many people have about salvation and God’s plan. The religious leaders believed that if Jesus were truly the Messiah, He would save Himself and demonstrate His power. But the irony is that Jesus’ refusal to save Himself was the very act that secured salvation for others. His death was not a sign of weakness but of ultimate obedience to God’s plan.
Theologically, this verse underscores the concept of substitutionary atonement—Jesus willingly gave up His life so that others could be saved. If He had saved Himself, humanity would have remained lost in sin. By staying on the cross, Jesus fulfilled His role as the sacrificial Lamb, taking on the punishment that we deserved.
The rulers’ mockery also reflects the reality that many people reject Jesus because He doesn’t fit their expectations. They wanted a Messiah who would bring them political freedom, but Jesus came to bring spiritual freedom. This rejection of God’s plan highlights the need for humility and faith in accepting His ways, even when they don’t match our expectations.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s depiction of the crowd and the religious leaders creates a contrast between passive observation and active rejection. The crowd stands watching, possibly unsure of what to think, while the rulers actively mock Jesus. This contrast reflects the varying responses to Jesus’ crucifixion—some people were indifferent, while others outright rejected Him.
The rulers’ statement, “He saved others; let him save himself,” is both ironic and tragic. They acknowledge that Jesus had the power to save others but fail to recognize that His mission involves sacrificing Himself. This irony is a recurring theme throughout the crucifixion narrative, as those who mock Jesus unknowingly affirm the truth of His mission.
Luke’s choice to include the title “the Chosen One” emphasizes Jesus’ divine role. The rulers use the title mockingly, but Luke presents it as a reminder that Jesus is indeed God’s chosen Savior, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:3-5 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who is despised and rejected but whose suffering brings healing and salvation.
- Psalm 22:7-8 – A prophetic psalm describing mockery similar to what Jesus experienced: “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.”
- Mark 10:45 – Jesus explains that He came not to be served but to give His life as a ransom for many.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him.
- Matthew 27:41-43 – The parallel account of the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders mocking Jesus.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder of the humility and sacrifice of Jesus. He could have saved Himself, but He chose to endure the cross for our sake. His love and obedience to the Father were greater than His desire to avoid suffering. This challenges believers to follow His example of self-sacrifice and trust in God’s plan, even when it is difficult or doesn’t make sense.
This verse also reminds Christians to be cautious of setting expectations for how God should work. Just as the religious leaders rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit their idea of the Messiah, we can sometimes reject God’s plans because they don’t align with our own desires. Faith requires trusting that God’s ways are higher than ours, even when we don’t understand them.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to persevere in the face of mockery or rejection. Just as Jesus was mocked for His obedience to God, Christians may face ridicule for their faith. But Jesus’ example shows that enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness leads to ultimate victory.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that Jesus did not save Himself but chose to stay on the cross to save others. His willingness to endure humiliation and suffering demonstrates the depth of His love for humanity. Even as He was being mocked, Jesus remained focused on His mission to provide salvation.
God’s love is also seen in His patience with those who mock and reject Him. The rulers’ mockery could have resulted in immediate judgment, but Jesus’ response was one of forgiveness. This reflects God’s desire for all people to come to repentance and receive His grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the obedient servant and sacrificial Lamb who willingly gave His life for the salvation of others. His refusal to save Himself fulfills His mission as the Savior who takes the punishment for sin. His humility and obedience are central to understanding the Gospel—Jesus didn’t come to exalt Himself but to serve and give His life for others.
The mockery of the rulers also connects to Jesus’ role as the prophesied suffering servant in Isaiah 53. Their rejection of Him was predicted, and their words, though meant to insult, actually affirm His identity as the Messiah who would save the world through His sacrifice.
- Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
- John 10:18 – Jesus says that no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down of His own accord.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God.
- Romans 5:8 – God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the religious leaders mocked Jesus, even though they had seen Him perform miracles?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t meet your expectations?
- How does Jesus’ refusal to save Himself demonstrate His love and commitment to His mission?
- In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of humility and self-sacrifice in your daily life?
- How can this verse encourage you to persevere in your faith when you face ridicule or rejection?