(35) And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.

Luke 23:35

Explanation:

In this setting we see the response of this declaration of forgiveness and the person of Jesus by more people.

We see the religious saying, “If he is the Christ, prove it by saving Himself.”

The rulers who had been instrumental in arresting him, falsely accusing him, illegally trying him, and getting the people to put pressure on Pilate to convict and cruicify Him, are now standing at Calvary mocking Him. Look at what they said: “He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.”

While He was doing what He could do to save them, they were saying “save yourself”.

Application:

Religious people have always been concerned with salvation. Some religions are focused on how to be at peace and prosper in this life, but most all have some kind of a plan for being ok when you die. Everyone faces death. 1 out of 1 people die. These religious rulers and the people understood Jesus claim that He was here to save sinners. They understood that his idenity was central to this claim. They were taking part in crucifying Him because they refused to believe His identity as God. This is still the issue today. Is Jesus who He claimed to be? Does He have the power to save?

Response:

Who needs to trust in Jesus in your life today? You? Your family? Your neighbors? Your co-workers?