The chief priest, scribes, and elders represented all segments of the Sanhedrin (cf. Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:59). They all mocked Jesus, probably with words that Jesus heard. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Matthew 27:32-44 - "where They Crucified Him"
He will not drink what would dull His keen sense of the momentous issues of the Cross. Those taunts were true. None who save themselves can save others. The cry of forsakenness, the midday midnight, the yielded spirit, the rent veil, the opened tombs, the sympathy of nature-all these proved that this was no common death, and were in keeping with everything that Scripture had foretold, 1 Peter 1:11.
Our Lord was wrapped in midnight, that He might be our "bright and morning star." He became obedient to death, that He might give eternal life. His heel was sorely wounded, that He might break the head of him that had the power of death, and might wear forever at His girdle the keys of death and Hades. Make His soul an offering for thy sin. Hide in the cleft which the soldier's spear opened in His side. He has made peace by the blood of His Cross; we have but to accept and be at rest. [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 27
1Jesus is delivered bound to Pilate 3Judas hangs himself 19Pilate, admonished of his wife, 20and being urged by the multitude, washes his hands, and releases Barabbas 27Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns; 33crucified; 39reviled; 50dies, and is buried; 62his tomb is sealed and watched
Greek Commentary for Matthew 27:41
The chief priests mocking [οι αρχιερεις εμπαιζοντες] The Sanhedrin in fact, for “the scribes and elders” are included. The word for mocking (εμπαιζοντεσ εν empaizontes παιζω en and παις paizō from pais child) means acting like silly children who love to guy one another. These grave and reverend seniors had already given vent to their glee at the condemnation of Jesus by themselves (Matthew 26:67.). [source]
What do the individual words in Matthew 27:41 mean?
Greek Commentary for Matthew 27:41
The Sanhedrin in fact, for “the scribes and elders” are included. The word for mocking (εμπαιζοντεσ εν empaizontes παιζω en and παις paizō from pais child) means acting like silly children who love to guy one another. These grave and reverend seniors had already given vent to their glee at the condemnation of Jesus by themselves (Matthew 26:67.). [source]