Luke 23:32-38

There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!”

The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

In an amazing display of selflessness, as Jesus was being tortured to death, He prayed for those who were killing Him asking that God would give them forgiveness. Here we can see how evil we are, because that is not how “normal sinners” act when being tortured. We are more prone to act like the soldiers were. We see here that Jesus’ clothes became pretty valuable, evidentially more valuable than Jesus. This behavior is much more like what I see around me.

Rather than helping the poor and needy, we are more likely to mock them as we see the people doing to Jesus here. This mocking demonstrates a wicked pride that is lodged securely in the heart of mankind. Jesus frequently pointed out sin and called it what it was. It is very likely that these people didn’t like to hear about their sin and when given the opportunity, they decided to fight back by mocking. When Jesus was in a weak position, they were eager to take advantage of the situation. Even the sign that was placed over his head communicated shame for Jesus and His people.

God has allowed events like these to continue to happen around us. Some good people suffer and others mock, but God will not forget. These things will be brought up before Him on Judgment Day and those who have not come to Jesus for forgiveness will be given a much worse punishment than we can imagine.