35 And having crucified him, they divided his garments, casting a lot, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, 'They divided my garments to themselves, and over my vesture they cast a lot;' 36 and sitting down, they were watching him there, 37 and they put up over his head, his accusation written, 'This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.' 38 Then crucified with him are two robbers, one on the right hand, and one on the left, 39 and those passing by were speaking evil of him, wagging their heads, 40 and saying, 'Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building 'it', save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.' 41 And in like manner also the chief priests mocking, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 'Others he saved; himself he is not able to save! If he be King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him; 43 he hath trusted on God, let Him now deliver him, if He wish him, because he said—Son of God I am;' 44 with the same also the robbers, who were crucified with him, were reproaching him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 27:35-44
Commentary on Matthew 27:35-44
(Read Matthew 27:35-44)
It was usual to put shame upon malefactors, by a writing to notify the crime for which they suffered. So they set up one over Christ's head. This they designed for his reproach, but God so overruled it, that even his accusation was to his honour. There were crucified with him at the same time, two robbers. He was, at his death, numbered among the transgressors, that we, at our death, might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers he received are here recorded. The enemies of Christ labour to make others believe that of religion and of the people of God, which they themselves know to be false. The chief priests and scribes, and the elders, upbraid Jesus with being the King of Israel. Many people could like the King of Israel well enough, if he would but come down from the cross; if they could but have his kingdom without the tribulation through which they must enter into it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those that would reign with him, must be willing to suffer with him. Thus our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy the justice of God, did it, by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute particular recorded about the sufferings of Christ, we find some prediction in the Prophets or the Psalms fulfilled.