You're a fake!

38Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!" -Matthew 27

I wonder, do we ignore the events leading up to the crucifixion? For whatever reason, the details of the events are suddenly proving more interesting than they used to. These two verses, for instance. So Jesus was insulted. We know that. Big deal. But take a minute to think about it. Where are the insults coming from? And why waste all that breath on two complete complex sentences? Why not just call him a liar, a cheat, or if you were really that pissed, why not bastard? (After all, Mary did get "mysteriously" pregnant, right?) What had their blood boiling enough to let off that much steam?

There's a bitterness underneath these insults, a bitterness that comes from the fact that the feel like Jesus lied to them. "You said that you were going to save us! You promised! If you are really who you said you are, and if you can really do what you said you would, prove to us that you are who say you are!" They are hurt. They feel cheated and lied to. They had hoped that he would save them, and he isn't (so it seems). So they walk on by, and insult him, with mockery that lets him know exactly how they feel.


What insults are you hurling?