NR 30
November 30
Matthew 27:39-44. All men unite in mocking Christ.
Among the sufferings of our Lord, mockings held a conspicuous place. Four times, in the course of a few hours, he was publicly mocked; first in the palace of Caiaphas—then in the house of Herod, next in the judgment-hall of Pilate, and last of all at Calvary, as he hung upon the cross. On this occasion men of every degree united to insult him. Rulers and people, Jews and Gentiles, soldiers and citizens, with one accord derided the Lord of Glory. Even the thieves, by their railings, showed that they thought him worse than themselves. How different from this scene on earth is that now witnessed in heaven, where beings of all orders, whether they be thrones or dominions, principalities or powers, join in one song of adoration!
The impious throng mocked the dying Savior in various ways—by scornful gestures, for they wagged their heads—by scornful actions, for the soldiers came to him, offering him vinegar—(Luke 23:36,) and, above all, by scornful words. It appears that none uttered more insulting speeches than the priests, scribes, and elders. Instead of addressing the Son of God himself, they spoke to each other, and to the people. It is more trying to hear our enemies speak against us to others, than to hear them address the same reproaches to ourselves. There is more contempt shown in such a way of attack than in a direct assault. Jesus heard these scornful men saying to those around, "He saved others; himself he cannot save."
They intended to make the people doubt whether he had really saved others, seeing he did not save himself. But such an attempt could not succeed, when so many, rescued from blindness and disease, were to be seen in all the streets of Jerusalem; and when even one of the high priest's own servants had just experienced his healing power. If ALL whom he had saved from ETERNAL death, had appeared to bear testimony to his power, what a glorious company would have covered Calvary! They will appear on a future day, together with multitudes then, and even now, unborn—they will declare with one voice, "He saved us." How happy is each one now present who can truly say, "He has saved me!" He is willing to save each of us. It was himself alone that he was not willing to save, because he knew that if he saved himself, he could save no other. Had he come down from the cross, then we could never come up from the grave.
Must it not have wounded his soul to hear the creatures for whom he was dying saying, "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross?" Had all the hosts of Satan joined in mocking him, their taunts would not have been so trying. How easily he could have shown his ungrateful creatures that he was the Son of God! He need only have spoken the words, and the nails would have dropped from his hands and feet.
But LOVE fixed him to the place of torture—love to his Father, who seemed to have forsaken him—love to his enemies, who were uttering the most provoking speeches. Was not this astonishing love—incomprehensible love! And yet many who have heard of it, are not ashamed to declare that they do not love Jesus; and others, who say they love him, show by their conduct that they do not. Do any of us really love this compassionate Savior? Do we not long to love him more? It was the apostle's constant prayer for all the saints, that they might "know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge." Let us visit Calvary—sit at the foot of the cross—gaze on the bleeding Lamb. Though our hearts may once have been softened by the Holy Spirit, they will become hard again, if we keep at a distance from that scene of sorrow and of love.