New Testament
Luke 23:35
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The people stood watching. The rulers sneered at him, saying, "He saved others — let him save himself if he really is Christ, God's chosen one!"
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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.
What Luke 23:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a scene of mockery directed at Jesus while he is on the cross. The crowd, including the rulers, is watching him suffer and they ridicule him for his inability to save himself. They reference his past miracles, suggesting that if he truly is the Messiah, he should be able to rescue himself from this situation. This moment highlights the disbelief and scorn of those who do not recognize Jesus' true identity and mission. Instead of understanding that his suffering is part of a greater plan for salvation, they challenge him to prove his divinity by saving himself. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus is misunderstood and rejected by many, even in his most vulnerable moments. The mockery serves to emphasize the depth of his sacrifice and the fulfillment of prophecy, as he willingly endures this humiliation for the sake of humanity.
How to apply Luke 23:35 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own faith in difficult times. Just as the crowd doubted Jesus, we may face moments of doubt or ridicule for our beliefs. It encourages us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's plan even when circumstances seem dire or when we are misunderstood by others.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Crucifixion (Luke 23:26–43)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 23:35
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 23:35 mean?
Luke 23:35 describes the moment when Jesus is mocked while on the cross. The crowd and rulers challenge his identity as the Messiah by saying that if he saved others, he should be able to save himself.
What is the significance of the mockery in Luke 23:35?
The mockery in Luke 23:35 highlights the disbelief of those witnessing Jesus' crucifixion. It emphasizes the scorn he faced and reflects the misunderstanding of his mission, as they fail to see that his suffering is part of a divine plan.
What does 'He saved others' mean in Luke 23:35?
The phrase 'He saved others' in Luke 23:35 refers to the miracles Jesus performed during his ministry, where he healed the sick and raised the dead. The rulers use this to mock him, suggesting that if he truly is the Messiah, he should be able to save himself.
How does Luke 23:35 relate to the theme of faith and doubt?
Luke 23:35 illustrates the theme of faith and doubt by showing how the crowd doubts Jesus' identity and power in his moment of suffering. This moment serves as a reminder of how people may question their beliefs during challenging times.
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