Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 27:35-44

"And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots; and they sat and watched him there. And they set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then are there crucified with him two robbers, one on the right hand and one on the left. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross. In like manner also the chief priests mocking [him], with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. He is the King of Israel; let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe on him. He trusteth on God; let him deliver him now, if he desireth him: for he said, I am the Son of God. And the robbers also that were crucified with him cast upon him the same reproach." — Matthew 27:35-44 (ASV)

It was customary to shame criminals by posting a written notice of the crime for which they suffered. So they placed such a notice over Christ's head. They intended this for His disgrace, but God overruled it so that even His accusation brought Him honor. At the same time, two robbers were crucified with Him.

At His death, He was numbered among the transgressors, so that at our death, we might be numbered among the saints. The taunts and jeers He received are recorded here. Christ's enemies work hard to make others believe things about religion and God's people that they themselves know to be false. The chief priests, scribes, and elders reproached Jesus for being the King of Israel.

Many people would like the King of Israel well enough, if He would only come down from the cross; if they could only have His kingdom without the tribulation through which they must enter it. But if no cross, then no Christ, no crown. Those who would reign with Him must be willing to suffer with Him.

Thus our Lord Jesus, having undertaken to satisfy God's justice, did so by submitting to the punishment of the worst of men. And in every minute detail recorded about Christ's sufferings, we find some prediction in the Prophets or the Psalms fulfilled.