Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Matthew 27:43 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 27:43 records the mockery of Jesus by the chief priests, scribes, and elders as He hung on the cross. Their taunt, “He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God,” was a direct challenge to His claim of divine sonship and His relationship with the Father. This moment is part of the larger crucifixion narrative (Matthew 27:39-44), where passersby, religious leaders, and even the thieves crucified with Him joined in derision.

The religious leaders had earlier demanded a sign from Jesus (Matthew 12:38-40). Now, as He hung in agony, they sarcastically demanded that God rescue Him if He truly delighted in Him. Their words were not an expression of faith but an attempt to discredit Him before the crowd.

Meaning

The phrase “if he will have him” carries a conditional taunt, implying that God’s favor is demonstrated by deliverance from suffering. Yet the biblical witness reveals the opposite: the Father’s delight in the Son was expressed through His obedience, even to death. Jesus’ refusal to come down from the cross was not an inability to save Himself, but the very means by which He would save others.

There is profound irony in the mockers’ words. They unintentionally affirmed the very truth they rejected: Jesus is the Son of God. His identity was not proven by a dramatic rescue from the cross, but by His obedient submission to the Father’s will, culminating in His resurrection.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes Psalm 22:8, where the psalmist describes the scorn of enemies who say, “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” By quoting this psalm, the mockers unwittingly aligned themselves with Scripture that pointed to Jesus’ sacrificial death and vindication. Jesus had also foretold His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; Matthew 17:22-23; Matthew 20:17-19), so their mockery fulfilled His own prophecies.

Jesus could have called upon legions of angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53), but He chose to endure the suffering and fulfill His redemptive mission. His trust in the Father remained steadfast, even in the face of rejection and scorn.

Application

This verse challenges us to consider where we place our trust. Jesus trusted the Father even when deliverance did not come in the way others expected. We, too, may face seasons where God’s plan does not match human expectations. In those moments, we are called to follow Jesus’ example of faithful submission, trusting that God’s purposes are greater than our immediate circumstances.

Reflection

The mockery of the people could not negate the truth of Jesus’ identity or the eternal significance of His sacrifice. His death and resurrection prove His claim to be the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that God’s ways often confound human wisdom, and His deliverance may come through paths we do not expect.