An Old, Old Story That Never Gets Old

Day 44: Matthew 27: 32-66

“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” - Matthew 27: 42-43 ESV

To truly appreciate what is happening in our reading today, you have to go 33 years back to when the angel visited Joseph. He declared in Matthew 1: 21 that the baby should be named Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. At that point, we learned that our Savior’s name would mean "the Lord saves" (Greek form of Joshua).

These onlookers mocked Jesus and all that he did for others during his earthly ministry. Couldn't he save himself? They didn't realize that he was performing his most significant act of saving others by not saving himself. He would get to save himself on Sunday. Friday was about his blood being shed for all of us. His death would be our opportunity for life.

Another thing to note here is that they sing a Hebrew song at Jesus in mockery from Psalm 22. Jesus will back up into the same song for one of his seven sayings on the cross (see verse 46). This proves that they had no idea what was actually happening.

Blomberg makes a great point in his commentary: “Verse 43 is unique to his Gospel and reflects his emphasis on the Son of God, also alluding to Ps 22: 9. Jesus’ opponents unwittingly testify to his identity. Precisely because Jesus is the Son of God, he consciously decides not to come down off the cross. Mounce rightly observed, ‘It was the power of love, not nails, that kept him there.’” - Blomberg, C. (1992). Matthew (Vol. 22, p. 418)

In light of all this, why wouldn't we want to take a moment to remember what Jesus did with bread and the fruit of the vine?

This old, old story never gets old.

It is even sweeter on Sunday mornings, in which we have a dedicated time each week for us to remember the greatest act of love the world has ever seen.

Jesus, we choose to remember Your sacrifice today.