34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing “ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,
37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”
38 Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Luke 23:33-38.
Sometimes Scripture provides clues or shadows like the coats of skins covering Adam and Eve. Sometimes Scripture provides more helpful hints or images like the Passover Lamb. Sometimes, Scriptures provides parables like the Lost Sheep. Sometimes, Scripture provides direct and full explanations like the exact representation of the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and also like the doctrine that we read in much of the New Testament beginning with the book of 1 Corinthians.
Here, in this Scripture for today, we have clues or shadows that should cause us to ask questions and meditate on this Scripture.
What is the significance of Jesus not saving Himself?
What is the significance of Jesus being the King of the Jews?
We can look to the Heidelberg Catechism for help with at least the first question.
Question 40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death?
Answer. Because with respect to the justice and truth of God, satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death of the Son of God.
We can also look to the Canons of Dordt (Second Head of Doctrine) for help with at least the first question.
Article 1. God is not only supremely merciful, but also supremely just. And his justice requires (as he hath revealed himself in his Word), that our sins committed against his infinite majesty should be punished, not only with temporal, but with eternal punishment, both in body and soul; which we cannot escape, unless satisfaction be made to the justice of God.
Article 2. Since therefore we are unable to make that satisfaction in our own persons, or to deliver ourselves from the wrath of God, he hath been pleased in his infinite mercy to give his only begotten Son, for our surety, who was made sin, and became a curse for us and in our stead, that he might make satisfaction to divine justice on our behalf.
Article 3. The death of the Son of God is the only and most perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for sin; and is of infinite worth and value, abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world.
Regarding the second questions, we see clues, helpful hints, and direct and full explanations through the following Scripture that can help us. Although, in one sense, Jesus is King over everyone, there is another sense as hinted in this Scripture that there is a specific and chosen people for whom Christ died and for whom Christ reigns.
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”
“And He brought forth His people with joy, His chosen ones with a joyful shout.”
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 