Commentary on Matthew 27:43

Verse: "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God."

This verse captures a moment of deep irony and cruelty during the crucifixion of Jesus, where the mocking words of those present highlight their misunderstanding of His identity and mission. This commentary will explore various aspects of this verse through insights from respected public domain commentaries.

Contextual Analysis

This verse occurs within the context of Jesus' crucifixion, a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative. The surrounding verses provide a backdrop of ridicule and scorn. As Jesus hangs on the cross, those who pass by, along with the chief priests and scribes, taunt Him, citing His claims and challenging His supposed trust in God.

Significance of "He Trusted in God"

Matthew Henry notes the profound irony that the very act of Jesus' trust in God is turned against Him by His detractors. They mockingly suggest that if He truly trusts God, then God should intervene and save Him. This moment highlights not only their lack of faith but also their profound misunderstanding of the nature of Jesus' mission: that He must suffer and die to fulfill the redemptive plan of God.

Let Him Deliver Him Now

Albert Barnes emphasizes the challenge posed by the mockers. They point out that if Jesus is indeed the Son of God, as He claimed, then He should be able to call upon divine assistance to save Himself. This challenge serves to underscore the concept of divine power and the understanding of what it means to be the Messiah in the minds of those who witnessed the crucifixion. The expectation was that the Messiah would be a conquering hero, not a suffering servant.

The Claim of "Son of God"

Adam Clarke elaborates on the significance of the title “Son of God.” This was a confounding claim to the Jews, who could not reconcile the suffering of Jesus with their expectations of the Messiah's glory. Clarke argues that the title not only signifies Jesus' unique relationship with God but also emphasizes the divine authority that He held. This mockery reveals the irony of their rejection of Him as the true Messiah.

Spiritual Insights

• Faith Amidst Irony:

  This moment serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of faith in the face of adversity. Matthew Henry points out that true faith may not always appear victorious and is often subjected to ridicule. The mockers' taunts do not negate the truth of Jesus' identity or His mission.

• The Weight of Mockery:

  Barnes comments on the psychological burden of humiliation that Jesus bore. The scorn from those around Him encapsulates a broader theme of suffering, wherein He identifies with humanity's pain and rejection. It reveals the depth of His sacrificial love, enduring mockery for the sake of redemption.

• Divine Silence:

  Clarke highlights the theme of divine silence during this moment. God's refusal to intervene in the way the onlookers expected underscores a profound theological truth: God often works in ways that defy human understanding. The silence speaks volumes about the redemptive work being accomplished through suffering.

Theological Reflections

This verse invites deeper theological contemplation regarding the nature of the Messiah and the character of God. The apparent contradiction between Jesus’ claims and His suffering challenges believers to rethink their understanding of power, authority, and what it means to follow Christ.

Messianic Expectation vs. Reality

Many Jews at the time expected a political liberator, yet Jesus’ identity as the Messiah is rooted in His sacrificial role as the Lamb of God. Matthew Henry highlights this as a critical reflection point: the expectations of the people met the reality of Jesus' mission in an unexpected manner, leading to their refusal to recognize Him as the fulfillment of prophecy.

Implications for Today's Believers

For modern believers, the cry of the onlookers serves as a reminder of the external pressures faced in faith. Barnes notes that Christians may often find themselves in similar positions of derision or misunderstanding, yet this moment affirms the necessity of steadfast trust in God despite circumstances.

Redemptive Suffering

Ultimately, Clarke argues that this derision culminates in the very act of redemption itself. Jesus' trust in God, even amidst scorn, opened the pathway for salvation for humanity. His endurance in silence captures the essence of redemptive suffering, inviting believers to embrace their own trials as part of their faith journey.

Conclusion

This verse encapsulates a profound moment of mockery and misunderstanding that accompanies the crucifixion of Jesus. By reflecting on the insights from Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, pastors, students, theologians, and scholars can glean meaningful lessons on faith, suffering, and the nature of Christ as the true Messiah. It invites us to embrace the paradox of faith; that often, God’s greatest work occurs in moments of apparent silence and suffering.