The Innocent Condemned
One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!” Luke 23:39 · Berean Standard Bible
Even one of the criminals hanging next to Jesus mocks Him: 'Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself — and us while You're at it!'
Three groups — leaders, soldiers, and now a criminal — all say the same thing: prove Yourself by saving Yourself. The pressure to come down from the cross comes from every direction.
The criminal speaks with bitter sarcasm, more interested in escaping his own punishment than understanding who's dying next to him.
It's the same taunt from the most unlikely source — a dying criminal. But his 'save us too' reveals something: even in mockery, there's a desperate longing for rescue. He just doesn't realize the man next to him is saving the world by staying on the cross.
One of the crucified kakourgōn (criminals) blasphēmei (blasphemes/reviles) Jesus with the same challenge: 'Ouchi sy ei ho Christos? Sōson seauton kai hēmas!' (Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!). This is the third 'save yourself' challenge.
The criminal's addition of 'and us' reveals self-interest disguised as mockery — he wants rescue from the cross, not spiritual salvation. His challenge completes the threefold temptation pattern: rulers, soldiers, criminal.
One of the criminals joins the chorus of mockery, adding his own self-interested demand to the 'save yourself' refrain.
The final mockery comes from a fellow sufferer — a criminal dying alongside Jesus who adds 'and us' to the standard taunt. Even from the cross, Jesus is challenged to demonstrate power through self-rescue. The third temptation is complete: everyone says 'come down.'
37“If You are the King of the Jews,” they said, “save Yourself!”
38Above Him was posted an inscription:
39One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. “Are You not the Christ?” he said. “Save Yourself and us!”
40But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
41We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Read all of Luke 23 — Pilate finds no fault. Herod finds entertainment. The crowd demands blood. And on a cross between two criminals, Jesus forgives.
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