”But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” | Psalm 22: 6

This verse is a miracle in language.

How could the Lord of glory be brought to such abasement as to be not only lower than the angels, but even lower than men.

”My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.” (Psalm 22: 1-2)

What a contrast between “I AM” and “I am a worm!” yet such a double nature was found in the person of our Lord Jesus when bleeding upon the tree.

”But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22: 3)

He felt himself to be comparable to a helpless, powerless, down trodden worm, passive while crushed, and unnoticed and despised by those who trod upon him.

”Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.” (Psalm 22: 4)

He selects the weakest of creatures, which is all flesh; and becomes, when trodden upon, writhing, quivering flesh, utterly devoid of any might except strength to suffer.

”They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.” (Psalm 22: 5)

This was a true likeness of himself when his body and soul had become a mass of misery — the very essence of agony – in the dying pangs of crucifixion.

”But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” (Psalm 22: 6)

Man by nature is but a worm; but our Lord puts himself even beneath man, on account of the scorn that was heaped upon him and the weakness which he felt, and therefore he adds, “and no man.”

”All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” (Psalm 22: 7-8)

The privileges and blessings which belonged to the fathers he could not obtain while deserted by God, and common acts of humanity were not allowed him, for he was rejected of men; he was outlawed from the society of earth, and shut out from the smile of heaven.

How utterly did the Saviour empty himself of all glory, and become of no reputation for our sakes!

~ Charles H. Spurgeon

Click here to listen to the message “The Mission of the Messiah” (43:31 minutes)

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Zebulon Grace Church Bulletin Article date: 8 April, 2007 | Previous post date: n/a | Pikeville, Kentucky