This verse, "Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads," from Matthew 27:39 describes a scene of mockery and humiliation directed at Jesus as he hung on the cross. Let's break down the meaning:
"Those who passed by": This refers to ordinary people walking near the crucifixion site, likely people going about their daily business or visiting Jerusalem for Passover.
"Blasphemed him": This means they were insulting, reviling, and speaking disrespectfully of Jesus. They may have been mocking his claims of being the Messiah or the Son of God. They were essentially cursing or denouncing him.
"Wagging their heads": This was a gesture of scorn, ridicule, and triumph over an enemy. It signified disbelief, contempt, and a feeling of superiority. It was a way of saying, "Look at you now!" or "You're a failure!".
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of Jesus being subjected to public humiliation and ridicule during his crucifixion. The passersby, rather than showing compassion or concern, actively mocked and insulted him. They used both words (blasphemy) and actions (head-wagging) to express their contempt.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the suffering of the Messiah (e.g., Psalm 22:7: "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads").
Emphasis on Jesus' Humiliation: The verse highlights the depth of Jesus' suffering and the extent to which he was rejected and despised by those around him. It underscores the shame and ignominy he endured on the cross.
Contrast with Faith: It also contrasts with the few who did believe in him or showed compassion, such as Mary, his mother, and some of the women who followed him. The actions of the passersby emphasize the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of many.
In essence, Matthew 27:39 is a powerful and disturbing depiction of Jesus's suffering and the rejection he faced as he hung on the cross, contributing to the narrative of his sacrifice and the nature of his mission.
This verse, "Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads," from Matthew 27:39 describes a scene of mockery and humiliation directed at Jesus as he hung on the cross. Let's break down the meaning:
"Those who passed by": This refers to ordinary people walking near the crucifixion site, likely people going about their daily business or visiting Jerusalem for Passover.
"Blasphemed him": This means they were insulting, reviling, and speaking disrespectfully of Jesus. They may have been mocking his claims of being the Messiah or the Son of God. They were essentially cursing or denouncing him.
"Wagging their heads": This was a gesture of scorn, ridicule, and triumph over an enemy. It signified disbelief, contempt, and a feeling of superiority. It was a way of saying, "Look at you now!" or "You're a failure!".
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of Jesus being subjected to public humiliation and ridicule during his crucifixion. The passersby, rather than showing compassion or concern, actively mocked and insulted him. They used both words (blasphemy) and actions (head-wagging) to express their contempt.
Significance:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Some see this as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the suffering of the Messiah (e.g., Psalm 22:7: "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads").
Emphasis on Jesus' Humiliation: The verse highlights the depth of Jesus' suffering and the extent to which he was rejected and despised by those around him. It underscores the shame and ignominy he endured on the cross.
Contrast with Faith: It also contrasts with the few who did believe in him or showed compassion, such as Mary, his mother, and some of the women who followed him. The actions of the passersby emphasize the spiritual blindness and hardened hearts of many.
In essence, Matthew 27:39 is a powerful and disturbing depiction of Jesus's suffering and the rejection he faced as he hung on the cross, contributing to the narrative of his sacrifice and the nature of his mission.