Luke 23:36 – “The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar.”
Extended Explanation
As Jesus hung on the cross, the Roman soldiers joined in the mockery that had already been started by the religious leaders and others in the crowd. They offered Him wine vinegar, a cheap and sour drink that Roman soldiers commonly used to quench their thirst. This was not an act of kindness, but a continuation of the humiliation Jesus endured. Their mockery reflected their belief that Jesus was powerless, just another condemned man dying a shameful death.
The offering of wine vinegar is significant because it fulfills prophecy and highlights the depth of Jesus’ suffering. Even in His physical agony, He was treated with ridicule and disrespect. The soldiers’ mockery reveals the hardness of human hearts and the blindness of those who fail to recognize who Jesus truly is.
Historical Context
In Roman crucifixions, soldiers were responsible for carrying out the execution and guarding the site to ensure no one interfered. It was common for them to mock and abuse the condemned, especially if the prisoner was accused of claiming a high status, such as being a king or a Messiah. To the soldiers, Jesus’ claim to be “King of the Jews” was laughable, especially as He hung on a cross.
Wine vinegar, or sour wine, was a cheap beverage often consumed by Roman soldiers. It was not intended to ease Jesus’ suffering but to mock His thirst and weakness. The soldiers may have sarcastically pretended to help Him, further ridiculing His claim to power and authority.
The soldiers’ actions were not just random acts of cruelty—they were part of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Psalm 69:21 says, “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst,” foreshadowing the mocking treatment Jesus would endure on the cross.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the depth of human sin and the rejection of God’s salvation. The soldiers’ mockery shows how blind humanity can be to the truth, even when it is right in front of them. They saw Jesus suffering, but instead of showing compassion, they added to His pain. Their actions reflect the sinful nature of humanity, which rejects God’s authority and mocks His grace.
However, this verse also reveals the incredible grace of Jesus. Despite being mocked and humiliated, He did not retaliate or curse those who were hurting Him. Instead, He continued His mission of obedience to the Father, showing that His love and commitment to saving sinners were greater than the pain and shame He endured.
Theologically, this moment also points to Jesus as the fulfillment of the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53. His suffering was not a sign of defeat but of His willingness to bear the punishment for sin so that others could be saved.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s description of the soldiers mocking Jesus fits within the larger narrative of rejection and irony. Throughout the crucifixion account, those who mock Jesus unknowingly speak the truth about Him. The religious leaders mockingly called Him the Messiah, and now the soldiers mock His kingship. But in reality, Jesus is both the Messiah and the King, fulfilling His role in a way that defies human expectations.
The offering of wine vinegar adds to the imagery of humiliation and suffering. Wine vinegar, a bitter and sour drink, symbolizes the bitterness of Jesus’ suffering. The soldiers’ mockery contrasts sharply with the dignity and silence of Jesus, who does not respond to their insults. This contrast emphasizes His role as the suffering Savior who endures rejection for the sake of others.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 69:21 – “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst,” a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion.
- Isaiah 53:3-7 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who is despised, rejected, and afflicted but does not open His mouth in protest.
- Matthew 27:34 – Jesus is offered wine mixed with gall before His crucifixion, but He refuses it.
- John 19:28-30 – Jesus, knowing that everything had been fulfilled, says, “I am thirsty,” and is given wine vinegar.
- Luke 23:34 – Jesus prays for forgiveness for those who are crucifying Him, showing His grace even in the face of mockery.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges Christians to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love and the extent of His sacrifice. Even as He was mocked and humiliated, He did not turn away from His mission to save humanity. For believers, this is a call to remain faithful to God’s purpose, even when facing opposition or ridicule.
The soldiers’ mockery also serves as a warning against spiritual blindness. Just as they failed to recognize Jesus as the Savior, people today can be blind to His grace and truth. This verse encourages Christians to stay vigilant, continually seeking to understand and follow Jesus instead of rejecting Him when His ways don’t align with human expectations.
Additionally, this verse reminds Christians of the importance of showing grace to others. Jesus did not retaliate against those who mocked Him but entrusted Himself to God. Believers are called to follow His example by responding to hostility with love, patience, and forgiveness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in Jesus’ willingness to endure mockery and suffering for the sake of humanity. He did not come to condemn the world but to save it, and even in His final moments, He demonstrated that love through His patience and humility. The fact that Jesus stayed on the cross instead of saving Himself shows the depth of His commitment to providing salvation.
God’s love is also seen in His response to human rejection. Instead of responding with immediate judgment, God offers forgiveness and grace. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate expression of that love—He bore the mockery and rejection so that sinners could be reconciled to God.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus as the suffering Savior who willingly endured rejection, humiliation, and pain to accomplish God’s plan of salvation. His silence in the face of mockery fulfills the prophecy of the suffering servant who “did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus’ endurance demonstrates His obedience to the Father and His love for humanity.
The offering of wine vinegar connects to the overall theme of Jesus’ suffering. His physical thirst represents the extent of His suffering, but His spiritual mission is far greater. Even in His weakness, Jesus was accomplishing the greatest act of love—dying for the sins of the world. His death, though mocked by the soldiers, would become the means by which humanity could be saved.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, for the joy set before Him.
- John 10:18 – Jesus willingly lays down His life for the sake of others.
- Romans 5:8 – God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- 1 Peter 2:23 – When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the soldiers mocked Jesus instead of showing compassion?
- What does this verse teach you about the depth of Jesus’ love and His willingness to endure suffering for our sake?
- How can you follow Jesus’ example of grace and patience when facing mockery or hostility?
- In what ways can spiritual blindness cause people to reject Jesus, as the soldiers did?
- How does reflecting on Jesus’ suffering help you grow in gratitude and faith?