And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The rulers' taunt, "He saved others; let him save himself," isn't just a cruel jab; it's a deeply ironic acknowledgment of Jesus' past miracles. They're essentially saying, "You did do all these amazing things for other people, so why aren't you using that power for yourself right now?" This highlights the stark contrast between their cynical expectations and the actual, selfless purpose of Jesus' suffering.
And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a crowd gathers, with the ruling religious leaders specifically present to mock him. They taunt him with the very miracles and rescues he performed for others, challenging him to use his supposed divine power to save himself from his current agonizing predicament. This scornful outburst from the authorities directly follows the inscription placed above his head identifying him as "The King of the Jews."
While the rulers hurled insults, a different reaction unfolded among the onlookers. What does this contrast reveal?
The scene at the cross wasn't a unified mob. While the leaders were loud in their scorn, the common people are described as simply 'standing by, watching.' This implies a complex mixture of awe, shock, and perhaps dawning realization. Many who had witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard his teachings might have been frozen, processing the unimaginable sight of their Messiah dying. This silent contemplation stands in stark contrast to the rulers' active mockery, highlighting the division in how people perceived Jesus even in his lowest moment.
The leaders weren't just disagreeing; they were actively mocking. What was the core of their taunt?
The rulers' words, 'He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!' were dripping with contempt. They seized on Jesus' past miracles as proof against him now. The implication is: 'If you're truly the powerful Messiah God chose, why are you helpless on this cross? Your supposed power to save others is meaningless if you can't save yourself.' This was a desperate attempt to discredit Jesus, playing on the expectation that the Messiah would be a conquering king, not a suffering servant. The phrase 'this fellow' (implied by the original language emphasis) adds a layer of intense personal disdain.
Could the rulers' taunts, meant to be destructive, actually reveal a deeper truth they refused to see?
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The rulers' words, though filled with malice, contained an unintended prophecy. By saying 'He saved others,' they were acknowledging Jesus' very real power to heal and deliver. Their challenge to 'save himself' highlighted the paradox of the cross: the Savior who could conquer death was choosing to embrace it for our sake. This wasn't the glorious, visible rescue they expected from the Messiah. The phrase 'his Chosen One' points directly to Jesus' divine identity, which they were actively denying. Their scorn inadvertently pointed to his unique mission – to save others by embracing the suffering they found so unbelievable.
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The title 'Anointed One,' referring to the promised deliverer of Israel whom God designated to serve as Prophet, Priest, and King.
eklektos · Greek Adjective
One whom God has selected or set apart for a specific divine purpose or ministry, frequently applied to Jesus in His messianic role.
The rulers' taunts highlight a profound misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. They expected a conquering Messiah who would use divine power for self-preservation, rather than a suffering servant who would sacrifice himself for the sins of the world.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
During this time, Jesus performed numerous miracles, healed the sick, and taught with authority, gaining a large following but also drawing the ire of the religious establishment.
Passover Week, AD 30-33
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, taught in the Temple, and was betrayed by Judas. He was arrested, tried by the Jewish council (Sanhedrin), and then handed over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate.
Passover Week, AD 30-33
Trial and Condemnation by Pilate
Despite finding no guilt in Jesus, Pilate yielded to the demands of the crowd and the religious rulers, sentencing Jesus to crucifixion.
Passover Week, AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was crucified between two criminals at Golgotha. This was a public execution carried out by Roman soldiers.
Passover Week, AD 30-33
Mockery at the Cross
While Jesus hung on the cross, some of the crowd watched in awe, but the religious rulers openly scoffed at him, challenging him to save himself if he truly was the Christ.
Passover Week, AD 30-33
Death and Burial of Jesus
Jesus died on the cross, and his body was taken down and placed in a tomb, setting the stage for the resurrection.
This passage describes the same mockery of Jesus by the chief priests, scribes, and elders during the crucifixion, highlighting their taunts about his identity and power to save.
Psalm 22:7-8This Old Testament psalm, which Jesus himself quoted, foretells the very scorn and ridicule he faced on the cross, showing how his suffering was part of God's plan.
John 11:47-50The rulers' words, 'He saved others; let him save himself,' echo Caiaphas's unwilling prophecy that Jesus would die for the nation, revealing an ironic truth in their scorn.
1 Peter 2:4-6Peter describes Jesus as the 'chosen cornerstone' of God's building, a concept directly referenced by the rulers' taunt 'his Chosen One,' emphasizing Jesus' divine identity despite his humiliation.
vincentLuke 23:35: "And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God."
BeholdingSee on Luke 10:18.ScoffedSee on Luke 16:14.If heThe A. V. does not give the contemptuous emphasis on οὗτος, this fellow.
barnesLuke 23:35: "And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God."
See the notes at Matthew 27:41-44 .
The rulers' taunt, "He saved others; let him save himself," isn't just a cruel jab; it's a deeply ironic acknowledgment of Jesus' past miracles. They're essentially saying, "You did do all these amazing things for other people, so why aren't you using that power for yourself right now?" This highlights the stark contrast between their cynical expectations and the actual, selfless purpose of Jesus' suffering.
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a crowd gathers, with the ruling religious leaders specifically present to mock him. They taunt him with the very miracles and rescues he performed for others, challenging him to use his supposed divine power to save himself from his current agonizing predicament. This scornful outburst from the authorities directly follows the inscription placed above his head identifying him as "The King of the Jews."
As Jesus hangs on the cross, a crowd gathers, with the ruling religious leaders specifically present to mock him. They taunt him with the very miracles and rescues he performed for others, challenging him to use his supposed divine power to save himself from his current agonizing predicament. This scornful outburst from the authorities directly follows the inscription placed above his head identifying him as "The King of the Jews."
"And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!”" — The rulers' taunt, "He saved others; let him save himself," isn't just a cruel jab; it's a deeply ironic acknowledgment of Jesus' past miracles. They're essentially saying, "You did do all these am…
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Last reviewed October 2026