What Jesus Did! 'When Everyone Rejects You' — Matthew 27:41-44

Thursday, December 18, 2025

The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way.
— Matthew 27:41-44 NLT

Key Thought

Where do you go when everyone ... mocks you? ... hates you? ... ridicules you?

Jesus chose not to run or hide even though he could have called angels to his rescue (Matthew 26:53). He chose to bear our sins under a flood of mockery and insults with no place to hide as he hung on the cross. He hung there, exposed in agony before a sadistic and mocking mob while his enemies hurled insults at him.

Why? Why was this necessary? Why did he withhold his power? Why did God allow it to happen? Why have the precious birth stories of a Messiah from heaven lead to such agony and disgrace? Why? Three very clear reasons:

  1. He loves us and wants to save us;
  2. He is obedient to his Father's will;
  3. His blood is the only thing that can cover our sins;

In other words, he did it for you and me!

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess I find it hard to believe that in the incredible expanse of the universe with all the billions of stars and all the people on earth, you know me and care about me enough to have Jesus die for my sins. I know that at times my love and dedication have been inconsistent and my faithfulness has been spotty and full of holes. But Father, I confess that every time I look closely at the cross, at all Jesus had to face and all the grief and agony he bore, I am drawn again to love you more and want to serve you more faithfully. Please forgive me for my sin and create in me a new and right heart made clean and pure by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 53:3-8
  • Hebrews 7:26-27
  • Psalm 51:17

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 27:41-44 NLT — "He saved others,"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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