Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe—The title ho Christos ho basileus tou Israēl (ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, the Christ/Messiah, the King of Israel) drips with sarcasm, yet accurately identifies Jesus. Their demand—idōmen kai pisteusōmen (ἴδωμεν καὶ πιστεύσωμεν, 'we might see and believe')—echoes perennial unbelief's demand: prove yourself by our terms, then we'll believe.
Jesus already provided countless signs—yet they didn't believe. Their demand for one more 'sign' was disingenuous. True faith believes God's self-revelation, not self-designed tests. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as 'evidence of things not seen.' Jesus descended FROM HEAVEN to save; demanding He descend from the cross reveals they wanted a political deliverer, not a sin-bearer.
They that were crucified with him reviled him—Initially both thieves mocked Jesus (Matthew 27:44), though one later repented (Luke 23:39-43). Even fellow sufferers joined the mockery—the innocent Lamb surrounded entirely by hostile voices.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations centered on a conquering king who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel's political sovereignty—not a crucified sufferer. The title 'King of Israel' was deeply political in first-century Palestine. The religious leaders' mockery reflected genuine theological confusion: how could the Messiah die under God's curse (Deuteronomy 21:23)? They couldn't reconcile Jesus' suffering with their eschatological expectations, missing Isaiah 53's clear prophecy of a suffering servant preceding the conquering king.
Questions for Reflection
How do you see modern culture demanding Jesus prove Himself on their terms before they'll believe?
What does the religious leaders' requirement for sight-before-faith reveal about the nature of genuine saving faith?
In what areas of your life are you demanding that God prove Himself according to your specifications before you fully trust?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe—The title ho Christos ho basileus tou Israēl (ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, the Christ/Messiah, the King of Israel) drips with sarcasm, yet accurately identifies Jesus. Their demand—idōmen kai pisteusōmen (ἴδωμεν καὶ πιστεύσωμεν, 'we might see and believe')—echoes perennial unbelief's demand: prove yourself by our terms, then we'll believe.
Jesus already provided countless signs—yet they didn't believe. Their demand for one more 'sign' was disingenuous. True faith believes God's self-revelation, not self-designed tests. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as 'evidence of things not seen.' Jesus descended FROM HEAVEN to save; demanding He descend from the cross reveals they wanted a political deliverer, not a sin-bearer.
They that were crucified with him reviled him—Initially both thieves mocked Jesus (Matthew 27:44), though one later repented (Luke 23:39-43). Even fellow sufferers joined the mockery—the innocent Lamb surrounded entirely by hostile voices.