35. The people stood there watching. The leaders made fun of Jesus. They said, “If he is God’s Chosen One, the Christ, then let him save himself. He saved other people, didn’t he?”
36. Even the soldiers made fun of him. They came to Jesus and offered him some vinegar.
37. They said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!”
38. (At the top of the cross these words were written: “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”)
39. One of the criminals began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself! And save us too!”
40. But the other criminal stopped him. He said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment as he is.
41. We are punished justly; we should die. But this man has done nothing wrong!”