As Jesus hung on the cross, He endured not only physical suffering but also mockery and insults from those passing by. The Gospels describe how people shouted at Him, ridiculing His claim to be the Son of God and questioning His power.
But why did they react this way? What led the crowd to turn against Him, and what does this moment reveal about human nature, faith, and prophecy?
The Scene at the Crucifixion
The crucifixion of Jesus took place at Golgotha, also known as the Place of the Skull. It was a public execution site outside the walls of Jerusalem. This location ensured that many people—travelers, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens—could witness the event.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe how these passersby mocked Jesus, echoing the accusations made by the religious leaders.
Matthew 27:39-40
“And those who passed by hurled insults at Him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!'”
This passage captures the scorn and disbelief of the people. They did not see Jesus as a Savior but as someone who had failed to prove His divine power.
Why Did the People Mock Jesus?
1. Misunderstanding His Teachings
One of the reasons people ridiculed Jesus was because they misunderstood His words. When He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days” (John 2:19), He was referring to His own body and resurrection. However, many thought He meant the physical temple in Jerusalem.
Since the temple was a massive structure, they saw His words as an impossible claim. As He hung on the cross, they mocked Him, believing that He had failed to fulfill His promise.
2. Influence of Religious Leaders
The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees had been plotting against Jesus for years. They saw Him as a threat to their authority because of His growing influence among the people.
Matthew 27:41-43 records their mockery:
“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.”
By mocking Jesus, the religious leaders reinforced doubt and ridicule, encouraging others to join in their scorn.
3. Disappointment and Betrayal
Many in the crowd had once welcomed Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, shouting “Hosanna!” (Matthew 21:9). They had hoped He would be a political savior, freeing them from Roman rule.
When Jesus was arrested and did not fight back, their expectations were shattered. Instead of seeing Him as the Messiah, they saw Him as a defeated man. Their disappointment turned into mockery.
4. Human Nature and Mob Mentality
Crowds are often easily swayed by emotions and the opinions of others. Once a few people began to mock Jesus, others followed, even if they did not fully understand the situation.
This reflects the weakness of human nature—people are quick to judge, mock, and reject what they do not understand.
5. Fulfillment of Prophecy
The mockery of Jesus was not just a random act; it was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Psalm 22:7-8 predicted this moment:
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: ‘He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him.'”
This passage was written centuries before Jesus and accurately describes what happened at the crucifixion. The mockers unknowingly confirmed that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.
Jesus’ Response to the Mockery
Despite the insults and ridicule, Jesus did not retaliate. Instead, He demonstrated forgiveness and love.
1. He Prayed for His Enemies
Luke 23:34 records His words:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Even in His suffering, Jesus showed compassion, asking God to forgive those who mocked Him. This highlights the depth of His love and the purpose of His sacrifice—to save sinners.
2. He Endured the Cross for a Greater Purpose
Jesus could have come down from the cross, but He chose to stay. His suffering was necessary to fulfill God’s plan for salvation.
Hebrews 12:2 states:
“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus was not concerned with proving Himself to His mockers. His mission was to die for the sins of the world and rise again in victory.
Lessons from the Mockery of Jesus
1. Faith Must Be Rooted in Truth, Not Expectations
Many people turned against Jesus because He did not meet their political expectations. This teaches us that faith should be rooted in truth, not in what we want God to do for us.
2. Do Not Follow the Crowd Blindly
The crowd mocked Jesus because they were influenced by others. This reminds us to be careful about following popular opinion. Instead of blindly accepting what the world says, we must seek God’s truth.
3. Respond to Hatred with Love
Jesus did not retaliate against His mockers. He forgave them and showed love. As His followers, we are called to do the same—respond to insults and hatred with grace and kindness.
4. God’s Plan Will Always Be Fulfilled
Even though people mocked Jesus, God’s plan for salvation was not stopped. In the same way, when we face opposition in life, we must trust that God’s purpose will always prevail.
The passersby shouted at Jesus out of misunderstanding, disappointment, and the influence of others. Their mockery, however, fulfilled prophecy and demonstrated the fallen nature of humanity.
Yet, Jesus responded with love, forgiveness, and endurance. His sacrifice on the cross was not a defeat, but a victory over sin and death.
For those who mocked Him, the cross seemed like the end of His story. But three days later, His resurrection proved that He truly was the Son of God, the Savior of the world.