34 [a]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
38 And an inscription also was [b]written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Luke 23:34-38
Much of Psalm 22 plays out here, as prophetic as ever through the suffering and mocking of our Lord. “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS” said the inscription over His head. Written in Latin for the Romans, Hebrew for the Jews, and Greek for everyone else. The inscription made sure all knew who the Romans were crucifying that day.
Where were the Jews who had been blessing “He who comes in the name of the Lord” just days earlier? Now they stood aside and ridiculed Him. “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him” – Psalm 22:8. They cast lots for His clothes, mocked Him, spat upon Him. They ridiculed the very King of The Universe who they would praise on the Sabbath.
They sat back in fear of man, pride, and darkness as the sin of the world was poured out upon He who was blameless and knew no sin. They truly did not know what they were doing… This society who had prayed and looked forward to the Messiah’s arrival now let Him bleed out and suffocate on a cross amongst criminals.
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
A reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They [b]shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
8 “He [c]trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.
10 I was cast upon You from birth.
From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.
11 Be not far from Me,
For trouble is near;
For there is none to help.12 Many bulls have surrounded Me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.
13 They [d]gape at Me with their mouths,
Like a raging and roaring lion.14 I am poured out like water,
And all My bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It has melted [e]within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And My tongue clings to My jaws;
You have brought Me to the dust of death.16 For dogs have surrounded Me;
Psalm 22:6-18
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They[f] pierced My hands and My feet;
17 I can count all My bones.
They look and stare at Me.
18 They divide My garments among them,
And for My clothing they cast lots.
