“Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and another on the left. And those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying, ‘You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’ Likewise, the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, ‘He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he is the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver him now if He will have him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ Even the robbers who were crucified with him reviled him with the same thing. Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” – Matthew 27:38-46
Matthew 27:38-46 Meaning
In these verses, we see the climactic moment of the crucifixion of Jesus. As he hangs on the cross, two robbers are crucified alongside him. This positioning underscores the gravity of the situation, pointing out that the Savior of the world is counted among criminals. The mocking and reviling of people passing by, including religious leaders, highlight the state of disbelief and contempt toward Jesus. They challenge him to save himself, exhibiting a lack of understanding of the deeper significance of his sacrifice. The darkness that enveloped the land during the crucifixion is symbolic, indicating the weight of sin and the separation from God that sin brings. Finally, Jesus cries out in anguish, expressing a deep sense of abandonment. This moment resonates profoundly, reflecting the emotional and spiritual turmoil he faced. Jesus, who was without sin, experiences the ultimate weight of humanity’s failures, encapsulating the mission he undertook to atone for our sins.
Matthew 27:38-46 Commentary and Explanation
As we contemplate this passage, we are pulled into an emotionally charged scene. Jesus is not just being crucified; he is facing immense ridicule from those around him. The soldiers and passersby ridicule him, taunting him to perform miracles and prove his identity as the Son of God. These insults could have been devastating for someone in his position. Yet, Jesus chooses to endure this humiliation without defending himself, demonstrating the depth of his love and commitment to his mission.
The presence of the robbers on either side of him serves to show that Jesus was truly among the outcasts and sinners. His willingness to be crucified with them emphasizes his message of grace and redemption. In joining these two men at their lowest point, Jesus extends his message that even in our darkest moments, we are not beyond hope or saving. It is a powerful representation of the heart of Jesus; He did not come for the righteous but for sinners.
The mocking by the chief priests exemplifies a blatant misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. They claim that if he truly is the Son of God, he should save himself. What they fail to recognize is that saving himself would contradict his very purpose. Jesus came to sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind. His silence, his willingness to endure the pain, is a profound demonstration of his commitment to fulfilling God’s plan. It reminds us that genuine strength lies in humility and obedience to God’s will, even when faced with adversity.
Then, as darkness covers the land for three hours, a chilling atmosphere falls upon the crucifixion. This darkness signifies more than the natural phenomenon; it symbolizes God’s judgment against sin. It reminds us that Jesus is taking upon himself the sin of humanity, creating a barrier between himself and the Father. The weight of this sacrifice is so intense that in his moment of despair, Jesus cries out. What he utters is a poignant question: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” This reflects his intense suffering as he bears the full burden of our sins.
Jesus’ cry is an echo of Psalm 22, a prophecy that foreshadows the suffering of the Messiah. This connection illustrates that even in pain, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies concerning the Messiah. It highlights God’s redemptive plan, even in suffering, showing us that God has not abandoned us. Rather, he entered into the depths of our suffering to provide a way for us to be reconciled with Him.
Historical and Literary Context of Matthew 27:38-46
Understanding the historical context of this passage provides much-needed depth to our understanding of these events. The crucifixion occurred during the Passover, a significant Jewish celebration that commemorates God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The significance of Jesus’ death during this time is rich with meaning. Just as the Passover lamb was slaughtered, Jesus becomes the ultimate lamb, sacrificed for the sins of humanity.
Literarily, Matthew is writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. His portrayal of the events surrounding the crucifixion serves the purpose of emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. The fulfillment of prophecies, such as those from the Psalms, allows the early Christian community to recognize Jesus not just as a good teacher, but as the one who fulfilled the expectations of the awaited Savior.
Moreover, the way Matthew includes the mocking voices from various groups reflects a broader social context where Jesus’ message was often met with skepticism and ridicule. It portrays the tension between the early followers of Jesus and the Jewish leaders, making the stakes of Jesus’ mission all the more apparent as they are witnessing this moment unfold.
Darkness during the crucifixion acts as a literary vehicle to indicate the spiritual significance of the event, illustrating that this was no ordinary death. It was a moment marked by cosmic significance, suggesting that the weight of sin was being felt across the world. The time references—“the sixth hour until the ninth hour”—focus our attention not only on the specific timing of these events but also intensify the chronological significance of Jesus’ suffering.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 27:38-46
Let’s take a closer look at some key components of this passage.
1. The Crucifixion
Jesus is crucified as a common criminal, alongside two robbers. This positions him as an outcast in society, yet in this humble position, he reveals the kingdom of God through his actions.
2. Mocking and Ridicule
The onlookers, chief priests, and the robbers direct mockery toward Jesus. This act of scorn reveals their complete misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and an unwillingness to recognize the truth of who he is.
3. The Darkness
The three hours of darkness serve an important symbolic meaning. It represents judgment, desolation, and spiritual death—a stark reminder that Jesus is bearing the weight of all sin, creating a chasm between Him and God the Father.
4. Jesus’ Cry of Abandonment
Jesus’ cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” reflects profound anguish. It demonstrates his identification with human suffering and the consequences of sin. His pain is not merely physical but deep spiritual agony.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus’ cry connects to Psalm 22, showing us how his suffering fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. This connection emphasizes how God’s plan was at work even in the darkest moments of history.
Theological Significance of Matthew 27:38-46
This passage holds tremendous theological depth for us as believers. The act of crucifixion is at the heart of the Christian faith—the embodiment of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. It is through this act that our sins are dealt with, allowing us to have a relationship with God once again.
The mocking Jesus faced illustrates the world’s rejection of him. Oftentimes, we too may face ridicule for our faith. Just as Jesus remained faithful in the face of adversity, we are called to stand firm in our belief and love for Christ, even when others do not understand.
The darkness highlights that sin leads to separation from God. Jesus’ cry of abandonment is a poignant reminder that sin has consequences, yet he faced the ultimate consequence so we would not have to. It shows us the depth of God’s love—the lengths He was willing to go to restore our relationship with Him.
In recognizing that Jesus fulfilled prophecy through this act, we establish a deeper trust in God’s overarching plan. Each detail matters; everything has significance and purpose. This unfolding plan demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises throughout history.
Matthew 27:38-46 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse emphasizes the call to self-denial and taking up our crosses to follow Jesus. Reflecting on Jesus’ own journey to the cross reminds us that our path may also encompass challenges and sacrifices.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
This verse foreshadows the suffering Messiah. It encapsulates the purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice—healing and reconciliation for humanity. It resonates deeply with our understanding of the crucifixion.
Hebrews 12:2
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
This verse encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who embodies perseverance and faith. Understanding His ultimate sacrifice inspires us to endure our own challenges with grace.
Practical Application of Matthew 27:38-46
Reflecting on this passage, we can glean several lessons for our own lives:
1. Embrace Humility
Just as Jesus embraced humility in his suffering, we should seek to place others before ourselves. Living a life of humility and service reflects the heart of Jesus.
2. Stand Firm in Faith
In times of ridicule or doubt, we are called to echo Jesus’ faithfulness. Standing firm in our belief, even when faced with opposition, demonstrates our trust in God.
3. Acknowledge Suffering
Recognizing that suffering is a part of our faith journey, allows us to grow. Just as Jesus endured suffering for a higher purpose, our challenges can lead to growth and deeper intimacy with God.
4. Share His Love
Jesus’ sacrifice was out of love for humanity. We are called to share that love with others, extending grace and compassion, especially to those who may feel marginalized or rejected.
5. Trust in God’s Plan
Even in difficult seasons, we can hold onto the hope that God’s plan is still unfolding. Remembering the fulfillment of prophecies encourages us to trust in His goodness.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Matthew 27:38-46
This passage can evoke powerful reflections within us. We might find ourselves in moments where we feel mocked or ridiculed for our beliefs. Jesus’ experience serves as a reminder that we are not alone; he walked that path ahead of us. In facing trials, we are urged to trust in God’s perfect timing and plan, similar to the way Jesus entrusted himself to the Father’s will.
As we meditate on Jesus’ cry of abandonment, it can draw us into a deeper realization of the weightiness of sin. It may prompt us to reflect on our lives, considering what we need forgiveness for. Jesus’ suffering covered all sin, and acknowledging this truth allows us to step into freedom and grace.
Ultimately, this passage draws us toward a deeper relationship with God. His love, demonstrated through sacrifice, invites us to respond by living lives that honor Him. How can we embody the humility, love, and grace Jesus showed? How can our lives reflect the sacrificial heart of Christ?
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our examination of Matthew 27:38-46, we are reminded of the depth of Jesus’ love and sacrifice. This moment of the crucifixion, filled with pain, mockery, and darkness, shines light on the beauty of redemption that follows. We are encouraged to journey through our own struggles and trials, knowing that Jesus has paved the way before us. His death is not the end, but the beginning of new life. Let us continue to grow in faith, extending grace and love to others as we reflect the heart of Christ.
If you are interested in exploring more topics that highlight the beauty of God’s Word, consider diving deeper into Jeremiah 31:3-4, or reflect on the notable Luke 12:22-31. May your journey through scripture inspire and uplift you in your faith walk!