"The Jews of Jerusalem"

 

Matthew 27:39-40, 47-49 "And they that passed by reviled HIM, wagging their heads. And saying, THOU that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save THYSELF. If THOU be the SON of GOD, come down from the cross.

Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This MAN calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave HIM to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save HIM."

     No doubt many of the people viewing the crucifixion were disappointed Jews who thought that CHRIST would deliver them politically (v.39 pictured above). The "Triumphal entry" a few days before (Matthew 21:6-11) had raised their hopes that this MAN might be the ONE WHO would lead Israel in throwing off the Roman yoke. The people did not understand that the kingdom JESUS CHRIST had offered them was not of this world and that GOD's salvation entailed much more than merely the alleviation of political tyranny. The cross of JESUS CHRIST -- not cultural, political, or moral renewal -- is to be our focus today. Far too many church-related programs are more concerned about winning political battles and fighting for the "rights of the oppressed" than proclaiming liberty in JESUS CHRIST to unbelievers who are in the bondage of sin.

     The Jews of Jerusalem rejected the truth and, instead, chose to believe the lies of the false witnesses used to incriminate the LORD (v.40a cf. 26:59-61). They preferred to believe a falsehood rather than the testimony of CHRIST's deity (26:62-66). They demanded the proof of yet another miracle (v.40b) rather than simply believing what JESUS had already testified concerning HIMSELF while HE was among them. Curious religionists were also present at the crucifixion (vv.47-49 pictured above). They knew what the prophets and JESUS had declared, but they were more interested in seeing a phenomenon than in believing the claims of the Scriptures and of the MESSIAH HIMSELF. Simple faith was not enough for them; they wanted to witness an amazing event. Do we see JESUS for WHO HE is -- our SAVIOR and LORD -- or are we errantly seeking after something more ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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