Book of Luke - Chapter 23 - Verse 36

When the soldiers mocked Jesus by offering him vinegar, they were not only displaying their cruelty and disrespect towards him, but they were also fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. The act of offering vinegar to a condemned person was a common practice in Roman crucifixions, as a cheap and sour drink that would further humiliate the condemned. In this context, the soldiers were not just physically torturing Jesus, but they were also fulfilling the Scriptures that foretold the suffering and humiliation that the Messiah would endure. This verse serves as a reminder of the fulfillment of prophecies and the persecution that Jesus faced during his crucifixion, leading up to his ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.

One possible theological interpretation of the soldiers mocking Jesus and offering him vinegar is that it fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 69:21, which speaks of giving gall for food and vinegar for drink to the one who is suffering. This event not only emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah but also underscores the depth of Jesus' suffering and humiliation. The soldiers' actions not only physically harm Jesus but also demonstrate their lack of understanding of his identity and significance. Additionally, the offering of vinegar can be seen as a form of further mockery and disrespect towards Jesus, as vinegar was commonly given to quench thirst, but in this case, it was used to prolong his suffering.