Luke 23:39 – “One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!'”
Extended Explanation
As Jesus hung on the cross, He was mocked not only by the crowds and soldiers but also by one of the criminals being crucified next to Him. This man sarcastically challenged Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, demanding that if Jesus really had the power to save, He should save both Himself and them. His words reveal disbelief, bitterness, and a misunderstanding of what Jesus’ mission was truly about.
The criminal’s mockery highlights a common human response to suffering and unmet expectations. He wanted immediate relief from his physical suffering, but he didn’t understand that Jesus’ mission was about something much greater—providing eternal salvation, not temporary escape. The criminal failed to see that Jesus’ refusal to save Himself was the very act that would bring salvation to those who believe.
Historical Context
Crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution reserved for criminals, rebels, and slaves. The two men crucified alongside Jesus were likely guilty of crimes such as robbery or insurrection. They were experiencing intense physical agony, and their execution was meant to be a public display of shame and punishment.
The belief that the Messiah would be a powerful, earthly ruler was common among the Jews. Many expected the Messiah to overthrow Roman rule and establish a political kingdom. The criminal’s challenge, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” reflects this misunderstanding. To him, a true Messiah would display power by escaping death, not by dying on a cross.
The religious leaders and soldiers had already mocked Jesus, questioning His identity and His ability to save. Now, one of the criminals joins in, reinforcing the widespread rejection of Jesus as the Savior. However, as we see in the following verses, the other criminal responds differently, demonstrating faith and repentance.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the difference between worldly expectations of salvation and the true nature of Jesus’ mission. The mocking criminal wanted Jesus to prove His power by providing immediate relief from suffering, but Jesus came to offer something far greater—eternal life through His sacrifice.
Theologically, this verse underscores the importance of faith and repentance. The mocking criminal rejected Jesus because he was focused on his temporary, physical condition rather than his eternal need for forgiveness. His response represents those who reject God because He doesn’t act according to their expectations. In contrast, the other criminal’s response (in the next verses) shows that salvation comes through humble acknowledgment of sin and trust in Jesus.
This verse also highlights human pride and self-centeredness. The criminal wasn’t interested in Jesus as the Savior of his soul; he wanted Jesus to serve his immediate needs. This reflects a common attitude today—people may call on God only when they want something, without seeking a true relationship with Him.
Literary Analysis
Luke contrasts the two criminals to emphasize the different responses people can have to Jesus. The first criminal’s mockery represents disbelief and rejection, while the second criminal’s plea for mercy represents faith and repentance. This contrast is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus is often presented as a dividing line—people either accept Him or reject Him.
The criminal’s words also carry a sense of irony. He mocks Jesus for not saving Himself, but Jesus’ decision to stay on the cross is what makes salvation possible. The criminal’s demand for proof of Jesus’ power highlights the common human tendency to doubt God’s plan when it doesn’t align with our desires.
Luke’s use of direct speech in this verse allows readers to feel the tension and emotion of the moment. The criminal’s mocking tone stands in stark contrast to the dignity and silence of Jesus, who does not respond to the insult but remains focused on His mission.
Biblical Cross-References
- Mark 15:31-32 – The chief priests and teachers of the law mock Jesus, saying He saved others but can’t save Himself.
- Isaiah 53:3 – A prophecy about the suffering servant who is despised and rejected by men.
- Psalm 22:7-8 – A prophetic description of those who mock the suffering Messiah, saying, “Let the Lord rescue him.”
- Luke 23:40-43 – The other criminal rebukes the mocker and asks Jesus to remember him, demonstrating repentance and faith.
- John 10:18 – Jesus explains that no one takes His life from Him, but He lays it down willingly.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder to examine their expectations of God. The mocking criminal represents those who expect God to act according to their desires and reject Him when He doesn’t. Today, people may question God’s goodness when they experience suffering or when their prayers seem unanswered. This verse challenges believers to trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment.
This verse also highlights the importance of having a proper understanding of salvation. Like the mocking criminal, many people focus on temporary solutions to their problems instead of recognizing their need for spiritual salvation. Christians are called to trust that God’s greatest gift is not material relief but eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Additionally, this verse challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when others mock or reject them. Just as Jesus endured mockery without responding in anger, Christians are called to respond to opposition with patience, grace, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His patience and willingness to offer salvation, even to those who mock and reject Him. The mocking criminal could have repented and received forgiveness, just like the other criminal did, but he chose not to. This demonstrates that God’s love is available to all, but it must be received through faith.
God’s love is also seen in Jesus’ silence in the face of mockery. He didn’t retaliate or come down from the cross to prove a point because His mission was to provide salvation, not to satisfy human demands. His love compelled Him to endure the insults so that He could complete His mission of redemption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the suffering Savior who willingly endured rejection, mockery, and death to accomplish God’s plan of salvation. The mocking criminal’s demand for Jesus to save Himself reflects a misunderstanding of His mission. Jesus’ decision to stay on the cross shows His obedience to the Father and His commitment to saving sinners.
The criminal’s question, “Aren’t you the Messiah?” underscores the tension between human expectations and divine reality. Jesus’ kingship was not about earthly power—it was about spiritual authority. By staying on the cross, Jesus demonstrated that His mission was to defeat sin and death, not to avoid suffering.
- Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him.
- John 3:16 – God’s love is demonstrated in the giving of His Son for the salvation of the world.
- Luke 19:10 – Jesus came to seek and save the lost, fulfilling His mission even in the face of rejection.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the criminal mocked Jesus instead of seeking His mercy?
- How can this verse help you examine your expectations of God and His role in your life?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t bring immediate relief?
- How does Jesus’ silence in the face of mockery challenge you to respond with grace when facing opposition?
- How can you help others recognize their need for spiritual salvation, not just temporary solutions to life’s problems?