Seven Words to Jesus; Word Two: Come Down from the Cross, Save Yourself
By Gail K. Kachnycz on 16 February 2026
Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!”
Mark 15:29 & 30 NIV
This reaction was foretold in Psalm 22
All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. Psalm 22:7 NIV
Crucifixion is an agonizing death. The crowd that had shouted “Crucify Him!” wanted to justify their actions, to convince themselves that Jesus deserved this punishment. To distance themselves from the suffering, they dehumanized Him with ridicule.
The image of Christ on the cross is difficult to observe. We want to look away. We want to say, “Come down from the cross.” We don’t want to admit that our sin requires this sacrifice. Can’t we save ourselves? Certainly we are good enough. There are others who have done much worse than we have. We want to emphasize God’s love and grace, without acknowledging His absolute holiness and our need for mercy. Even an unkind thought on our part creates a chasm between us and God.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NKJV
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 NKJV
During Lent, let us acknowledge our need for a Savior, and give thanks that God has provided a way for our sins to be forgiven and the right relationship with God restored.
Before GRACE, God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
we need MERCY: My Execution Replaced at the Cross by Yeshua
For prayerful consideration:
* Where am I trying to “save myself”? For example, trying to restore relationships with my own wisdom or work in ministry of service in my own strength?
* Am I harboring sins such as bitterness or resentment?
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