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 KJV
And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” Luke 23:35 NASB
If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. Luke 23:37 KJV
“If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Luke 23:37 NASB
And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? Luke 22:64 KJV
And they blindfolded Him and were asking Him, saying, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” Luke 22:64 NASB
He was mocked as a prophet, as a Saving Priest, and as King. How did He react? Did He righteously assert His claims to those offices? Herod wanted to see a miracle. The leaders of the nation taunted Him to prove the authenticity of His claims. Those milling around the cross wanted Him to descend, and viewed His failure to do so as proof of His guilt. But He did respond to their cries, but not in the way that they wanted.
They mocked Him as a prophet. On the way to Calvary, women lined the via dolorosa, weeping at the thought of a Jewish man being led
out to be crucified. The Lord Jesus stopped and uttered a prophesy; but not a prophesy to bring honor and attention to Himself, but to warn those of the coming invasion by the Roman legions. He was thinking of them and of their sorrow. His heart was moved at the thought of what they would endure.
They mocked Him as a priest and Savior. How did He respond? When they arrived at the cross, when they had impaled Him to the tree, He made intercession for them: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
They mocked Him as a King. At the signs of repentance and the acknowledgement of His Kingship and Kingdom, he takes a thief into His company; as the Shepherd, He lifts him on His shoulders and carries Him home rejoicing. They mocked the fact that He saved others but could not save Himself. His reply to their mockery was simply that He saved another and did not save Himself!
Christ displayed the reality of His offices but not in His own interests. All that He was and is was used for the blessing of others. His life constantly was being poured out for others. He is seen as prophet to the women, King to the thief on Cross, and priest as He prays for the people – all these were claims they mocked and yet He will use them, not to assert Himself but for their good.
Consider
What miracle did the Lord perform in His last night on earth? Why do you think He performed it and why did it not awe His foes?