Luke 23:37 – “and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.'”
Extended Explanation
This verse captures the mockery directed at Jesus as He hung on the cross. The soldiers, echoing the ridicule of the religious leaders, challenge Jesus to prove His kingship by saving Himself from death. Their words are filled with sarcasm—they don’t believe that Jesus is the king of the Jews, and to them, His current condition on the cross seems to prove He isn’t. They assume that a true king would never allow himself to be executed in such a shameful way.
However, their mockery reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. Jesus didn’t come to save Himself; He came to save others. If He had chosen to come down from the cross, He would have failed in His mission to provide salvation for humanity. His refusal to save Himself was not a sign of weakness but of strength and obedience to God’s plan.
Historical Context
In the Roman Empire, kings were symbols of power and authority, often associated with military strength and political control. The idea of a “king of the Jews” would have been especially sensitive, as the Jewish people were living under Roman rule and had a history of rebellion. To the Roman soldiers, Jesus’ claim to be a king seemed ridiculous, especially since He had been handed over by His own people and was now being executed.
The title “king of the Jews” was used mockingly by both the religious leaders and the soldiers. It was also written on a sign placed above Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:38). The soldiers likely saw Jesus as just another failed revolutionary or religious fanatic. They didn’t understand that His kingship was spiritual, not political, and that His death was the means by which He would establish His eternal kingdom.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the contrast between human expectations and God’s plan. The soldiers assumed that if Jesus were truly a king, He would demonstrate His power by saving Himself. But Jesus’ kingship was not about saving Himself—it was about saving others. His victory would come not through military conquest but through sacrifice and resurrection.
Theologically, this verse underscores the concept of self-sacrifice. Jesus could have saved Himself, but He chose to stay on the cross to fulfill God’s plan of redemption. This reflects the core of the Gospel: Jesus died so that sinners could be forgiven and reconciled to God. His refusal to come down from the cross shows His love and commitment to saving humanity, even at the cost of His own life.
This moment also reveals the blindness of sin. The soldiers were so focused on mocking Jesus that they failed to see the truth right in front of them. Their words, though intended as a taunt, actually reflect a profound truth—Jesus is the King, but His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36).
Literary Analysis
Luke’s presentation of the soldiers’ mockery adds to the dramatic irony of the crucifixion narrative. Throughout this passage, those who mock Jesus unknowingly speak the truth. The religious leaders mock Him as the Messiah, and the soldiers mock Him as the King of the Jews. In reality, Jesus is both the Messiah and the King, but His mission is unfolding in a way that defies human understanding.
The soldiers’ taunt, “save yourself,” echoes the words of the religious leaders in Luke 23:35, who said, “He saved others; let him save himself.” This repetition emphasizes the common misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. The literary structure of this passage highlights the tension between human expectations and divine reality—what seems like defeat is actually the path to victory.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 18:36 – Jesus explains that His kingdom is not of this world, which is why His followers did not fight to prevent His arrest.
- Mark 10:45 – Jesus came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
- Isaiah 53:7 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who does not defend Himself but willingly goes to His death.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him.
- Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder of the cost of salvation. Jesus had the power to save Himself, but He chose to stay on the cross because of His love for humanity. His example challenges believers to live lives of self-sacrifice and obedience to God, even when it is difficult or costly.
This verse also encourages Christians to trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense from a human perspective. The soldiers saw the cross as a sign of failure, but it was actually the path to victory. In the same way, believers may face situations that seem like setbacks or defeats, but God can use them for His greater purposes.
Additionally, this verse serves as a warning against spiritual blindness. The soldiers mocked Jesus because they didn’t understand who He was. Today, people can be similarly blind to the truth of the Gospel. Christians are called to share the message of Jesus with others, helping them see that His death and resurrection are the foundation of true life and hope.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in Jesus’ willingness to stay on the cross instead of saving Himself. His death was not forced—He chose to endure it because of His love for humanity. As Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s love is also seen in His patience with those who mock and reject Him. Instead of responding with immediate judgment, Jesus continued His mission to provide a way of salvation. This demonstrates that God’s love is patient and enduring, offering forgiveness even to those who initially reject Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus as the King who reigns through humility and sacrifice. Unlike earthly kings who demonstrate their power through force, Jesus demonstrated His kingship by laying down His life for others. His refusal to save Himself was not a sign of defeat but of victory—He was defeating sin and death on behalf of humanity.
The soldiers’ mockery also connects to Jesus’ role as the prophesied suffering servant. Their words, meant as an insult, actually affirm the truth that Jesus is the King of the Jews and the Savior of the world. His death on the cross was not the end of His kingship but the means by which He established His eternal kingdom.
- Colossians 1:13-14 – Jesus’ death and resurrection transfer believers into the kingdom of light, where they experience redemption and forgiveness.
- Revelation 17:14 – Jesus is described as the “Lord of lords and King of kings,” who will ultimately triumph over all opposition.
- 1 Timothy 6:14-15 – Jesus is the only sovereign King who will be revealed in glory at the proper time.
- John 19:19-22 – The inscription on the cross identifies Jesus as the King of the Jews, pointing to His true identity even in death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the soldiers mocked Jesus instead of recognizing His true identity?
- How does Jesus’ refusal to save Himself demonstrate His love and obedience to God’s plan?
- What does this verse teach you about trusting God’s plan, even when it seems like defeat?
- In what ways can you follow Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice and humility in your daily life?
- How can you help others see that Jesus’ death on the cross was not a failure but the greatest act of love and victory?