1. In relation to the past. It was the fulfilment of prophecy. Zechariah Zec_12:10) had predicted what they would do. Christ honours Scripture even in His death, and makes even His enemies contribute to its fulfilment.
2. In relation to the present.
(1) Some looked regretfully. They had trusted that He would have redeemed Israel.
(2) Some looked remorsefully. One cannot but believe that there were misgivings in the breasts of other actors in this grim tragedy, than in those of the Centurion and Judas.
(3) But the evidence goes to show that most looked maliciously and murderously, and had no compunctions for their awful crime.
3. In relation to the future.
(1) In the immediate future some looked on Jesus as set forth by Peter evidently crucified, and cried, “What shall we do?” and were saved (Act_2:1-47.); and many more through the instrumentality of Paul.
(2) In the remote future. “All Israel shall be saved,” if not as a race, as penitent believers, “looking unto Jesus.”
II. TO SINNERS GENERALLY. Inasmuch as sin was the moving cause of the Crucifixion, and the Jews were literal actors, not simply as Jews, but as wicked men, so the guilt of that crime rests upon the sinful race of men. Men look on Him whom they have pierced.
1. Now. Where Christ is known at all He is the central, all-commanding figure. All men must look, whether they like it or not.
(1) Some look, and then look away--indifferent to His agonies and to the salvation they procured. Self-righteousness is sufficient, or salvation procured in that way a superfluity. “Is it nothing to you all ye that pass by?”
(2) Some look and scoff. The Cross is still a stumbling-block or foolishness to infidels, or profane, or hypercritical persons. The offence of the Cross has not ceased.
(3) Some look, and are softened into penitence, encouraged to believe and live.
2. Hereafter. All shall some day look again (Rev_1:7); but the Pierced One will occupy not a Cross but a Throne, and will be seen either as a Judge, saying, “Depart ye cursed,” or as an everlasting Saviour saying, “Come ye blessed.” Which will He be to you? You may learn from your present attitude. (J. W. Burn.)
Looking and learning
I. THEY AWAKEN HALLOWED SORROW. Sorrow for sin is the germ of repentance. True repentance flows from the Cross.
II. THEY KINDLE ENLIVENING HOPE. Christ was pierced, not only by man, but for man, and by His stripes we are healed.
III. THEY NERVE US TO SUBMISSION. How patiently Christ submitted.
IV. THEY EXCITE US TO ZEAL. He laid down His life in His Father’s work. Should we not give up our gratifications for Him?
V. THEY RECONCILE US TO DEATH. It is not likely we shall die so painful a death as Christ did. But by death He conquered. Through Him we shall through death obtain a crown. (The Homilist.)
