Charles Spurgeon Commentary Luke 23:48

"And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts." — Luke 23:48 (ASV)

And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

What a change must have come over that ribald crowd! They had shouted, "Crucify him;" they had stood there, and mocked him; and now they are overcome with the sight, and they strike their breasts. Ah, dear friends, their grief did not come to much! People may strike their breasts; but unless God strikes their hearts, all the outward signs of a gracious work will come to nothing at all.