Offensive words (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads and saying, You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.
Matthew 27:39.40.

Offensive words (2)
The blasphemy and contempt of the passers-by were emphasised by their "wagging their heads". Even if what they said could not be heard, their thoughts were clear.

What did they reproach the Man on the cross with? The accusation they had already brought against Him: "This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days" (Matthew 26:61). It was an inaccurate quotation. Jesus had said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." (John 2:18). He meant that they would destroy His body, and He foretold His resurrection. How true were David's words: "All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil.(Psalm 56:5!

This only stresses the importance of using an accurate translation of the Bible, for many difficulties can be explained by reading the text precisely, observing the context and guarding against over-hasty interpretations.

They added: "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" He would not; His work of salvation had to be accomplished. Three days later the tomb was empty; He was "declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead" (Romans 1:4). Did they then believe? No, Jesus had already said so: "Neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead" (Luke 16:31). They did not believe, because they refused to! Is it any different today?

(to be continued on Monday)

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 17:1-19 · Revelation 5:1-14