Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 27:39

"And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads," — Matthew 27:39 (ASV)

Crucifixion was always carried out publicly as a warning to others. A public execution provided opportunity for those walking by to “hurl insults” at Jesus. Shaking their heads, and so calling to mind the derision in Pss 22:7; 109:25; Lamentations 2:15, the passers-by threw up the charge in Mt 26:60–61 (they had likely witnessed the proceedings of the Sanhedrin or had some report of them). The second taunt, “If you are the Son of God,” not only harks back to the trial (26:63), but for Matthew recalls a dramatic parallel (4:3, 6). Through the passers-by Satan was still trying to get Jesus to evade the Father’s will and avoid further suffering.