Chief Priests, Scribes and Elders Mocking - Matthew 27:41

Matthew the apostle wrote how there was, “set up over” Jesus' “head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, You that destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself. If you be the Son of God, come down from the cross”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse forty-one of his book, Matthew wrote how, “the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders” where we read:

Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

The verse reads, “Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, ...” Matthew began words, “likewise also” which means “in the same manner and equally” “the chief priests” or “the high priests who hold the high priestly office who both had previously discharged it and although disposed, continued to have great power in the State, as well as the members of the families from which high priest were created, provided that they had much influence in public affairs” “mocking him” which means “playing, trifling and deluding Jesus”. Matthew shared how the “high priests” “taunted” Jesus while He hung on the cross.

The verse goes on to say, “ … with the scribes and elders, said,” Matthew continued with the words, “with the scribes” or “alongside the men learned in the Mosaic law and in the sacred writings and were interpreters and teachers” “and elders” or “and men advanced in life, senior in age or rank and members of the great council or Sanhedrin”, “said” which means “uttered, declared and proclaimed” . Matthew shared how the “scribes” and “elders” among the people also “mocked” Jesus as He hung on the cross.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how the “religious leaders” among the multitude “mocked” and “taunted” Jesus while He hung on the cross. They believed themselves to have the advantage over Jesus because their “will” was carried out as Jesus now was being “crucified”. Oh what boldness they had at this point in the story as they “taunted” Jesus, and what boastful pride they exhibited as they hurled their words toward Him. And yet, Jesus died for the sins of them all. God loves people, and even when they “mock” Him, He is patient and waits for them to turn their hearts toward Him. May all who read these words examine themselves and discover whether they align with Jesus or “mock” His sacrifice for them upon the cross.

Next time Matthew wrote how the religious leaders say, “He saved other; himself he cannot save”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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