Luke 23:35

Luke 23:35 captures a poignant and deeply ironic moment during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As He hangs on the cross, both the general populace and the religious authorities observe Him, but with vastly different attitudes and intentions.

Context of Luke 23:35

This verse is situated at the climax of Luke's passion narrative, immediately following the crucifixion itself and before the interaction with the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. The scene is one of profound suffering and public humiliation. The "people" are merely watching, perhaps with a mix of curiosity, sorrow, or indifference. However, the "rulers"—likely the chief priests, scribes, and elders who had orchestrated Jesus' arrest and trial—are actively engaged in mocking Him. Their presence at the crucifixion underscores their determination to see Him utterly discredited and destroyed, reflecting their deep-seated opposition to His claims of being the Messiah and Son of God. This mockery is part of the broader pattern of abuse and derision Jesus endured, as also detailed in Matthew 27:41-43 and Mark 15:31-32.

Key Themes and Messages

• Profound Mockery and Scorn: The rulers' words are filled with contempt. They challenge Jesus to prove His divine power by saving Himself, a direct assault on His identity and mission. The Greek word for "derided," ekmykterizo, literally means "to turn up the nose at," indicating extreme disdain and scoffing.
• The Irony of Their Taunt: Their statement, "He saved others; let him save himself," is tragically ironic. They acknowledge His past miracles and acts of salvation—His healings, exorcisms, and teachings that brought liberation—yet fail to grasp that His ultimate act of salvation required Him not to save Himself. His refusal to descend from the cross was precisely how He would save humanity from sin and death, fulfilling the purpose for which He came (Matthew 1:21).
• Challenge to Jesus' Messianic Identity: The core of their challenge lies in "if he be Christ, the chosen of God." They demand a visible, powerful demonstration of His Messiahship according to their expectations of a conquering king, rather than recognizing the suffering servant prophesied in passages like Isaiah 53:5. The title "chosen of God" (Greek: eklektos theou) emphasizes His unique divine appointment and status, which they deliberately reject.
• Human Opposition to Divine Plan: The rulers' actions, though motivated by malice and unbelief, unwittingly served God's sovereign plan. Their rejection and mockery were part of the very suffering prophesied for the Messiah, through which salvation would be accomplished.

Practical Application

Luke 23:35 offers several enduring lessons. First, it reminds us that true saving power, as demonstrated by Christ, often involves self-sacrifice rather than self-preservation. Jesus' willingness to endure mockery and suffering for the sake of others stands as the ultimate example of selfless love. Second, believers may also face derision and challenges to their faith, especially when living out Christian principles that contradict worldly values. This verse encourages steadfastness, knowing that Christ Himself endured far greater scorn. Finally, it highlights the human tendency to misunderstand or reject divine truth when it doesn't align with preconceived notions or desires for power and control. Understanding this helps us to approach Scripture and God's ways with humility and an open heart, recognizing that His wisdom often confounds human expectations (1 Corinthians 1:25).