Surrounded by scorning sinners...

Matthew 27:38-44 At that time two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those who passed by kept insulting him, shaking their heads, and saying, “You who were going to destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days—save yourself! If you’re the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way the high priests, along with the scribes and elders, were also making fun of him. They kept saying, “He saved others but can’t save himself! He is the king of Israel. Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him, if he wants to do so now. After all, he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In a similar way, the bandits who were being crucified with him kept insulting him. 

Everywhere He looked, all Jesus could see and hear was people mocking Him, using the charges against Him as insults: "if you are so powerful, deliver yourself; if you are King, come down; if you and God are so close, why isn't He saving You?"  Who would go out of their way, out of town, to show up and do this?  People who want to feel better about themselves.  We thrill in others' pain; we feel self-vindicated by others' misfortune.  We even want God to look like a "failure" so we can be imperfect.   We are unable to see deeper and beyond, in time and depth, to a God who loves, is in control, and is working out His plan.  Such words will come back to us.   As we look in the manger, may we also look at the cross, and see the same innocence, love and awesome plan that only God could imagine.