Matthew 27:40

"Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads"

Key Reflection

In Matthew 27:40, those passing by Jesus as he hangs on the cross mockingly wagged their heads and blasphemed him. This action reflects a deeply ingrained cultural practice in first-century Palestine, where head-wagging was used to express derision or disdain for someone. Such behavior was not merely verbal; it accompanied a physical gesture that underscored the intensity of their mockery, highlighting the scornful rejection of Jesus by those around him.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 40. Thou that destroyest the temple, etc. Meaning, thou that didst boast that thou couldest do it. This was one of the things that had been falsely charged on him. It was intended for painful sarcasm and derision. If he could destroy the temple, they thought he might easily come down from the cross. __________________________________________________________________

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