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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mar_15:27-32
27They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. 28[And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with transgressors."] 29Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself. 32"Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!" Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
Mar_15:27 "two robbers with Him" This term meant "robbers" or "insurrectionists." This is a specific fulfillment of Isa_53:12.
Psalms 22 and Isa_52:13 to Isa_53:12 are specific in some of their details, but not all! Reading these types of Messianic prophecies is very difficult because only some of the details apply to Jesus' situation. Others must have been (1) symbolic; (2) poetic; or (3) concerned only the original historical situation. It is only through the inspiration of NT authors that this type of Christological typology is valid. Modern believers are led by the Spirit when they read the Bible (i.e., illumination), but we disagree on the details, which shows that inspiration is superior to illumination.
Typology has been so abused by post-NT writers that I refuse to accept this type of biblical interpretation except when recorded by NT authors. We cannot reproduce the hermeneutical procedures of inspired biblical writers. We must rely on understanding what those original, inspired authors were saying to their day (see Introductory Article, "Good Bible Reading"). We must then apply these truths to our cultural situation.
Mar_15:28 This verse is omitted by the ancient Greek uncial manuscripts à , A, B, C, and D. It is left out of the NRSV, TEV, NJB, and NIV translations. It was apparently added as a marginal note by an ancient scribe from Luk_22:37. It is not part of the original text of Mark. It is uncharacteristic for Mark, writing to Gentiles, to include an OT quote (i.e., Mar_15:28 is an allusion to Isa_53:12). The UBS4 gives the omission an "A" rating (certain).
Mar_15:29 "Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him" Probably in keeping with the purpose and procedures of Roman crucifixion, the site of execution was located on a major road entering Jerusalem.
These passers by may have been fulfilling the prophecy of Psa_22:6-8; Psa_22:12-13; Psa_22:16-17.
▣ "'Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple'" These mockers may be those false accusers who were at the night trial of the Sanhedrin (cf. Mar_14:58).
Mar_15:30 This comment is a continuing mockery (cf. Mar_15:31-32) of Jesus' powers. They still wanted a miraculous sign, even at this late date. They claimed they would yet believe in Him (cf. Mar_15:32).
Mar_15:31 "He saved others" The term "saved" is used in its OT sense of physical deliverance. These leaders could not deny Jesus' miracles, but attributed His power to Satan (cf. Mar_3:22). The people of Jerusalem were well aware that Jesus had raised Lazarus (cf. John 11).
Mar_15:32 "Christ, the King of Israel" This is the chief priests' mockery of Pilate's title, "King of the Jews," which was nailed above Jesus' head. This is sarcasm, not affirmation!
This surely fits into the ridicule foreshadowed in Psa_22:6-8; Psa_22:12-13; Psa_22:16.
▣ "Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him" It is only in Luk_23:35-43 that the account of the repentant criminal is recorded.