How does Psalm 22:6 reflect Christ's humility and suffering on the cross?

Setting the Scene: Psalm 22 as a Messianic Portrait

- Psalm 22 moves from anguish to triumph, foreshadowing the crucifixion long before Roman crosses existed.

- Verse 6 sits in the deepest valley of the psalm, capturing the emotional and physical nadir that Christ willingly embraced.

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The Words Themselves

“But I am a worm, and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.” (Psalm 22:6)

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“I Am a Worm”: Language of Utter Humiliation

- A worm is the lowest of creatures—voiceless, defenseless, easily crushed.

- Jesus, eternal God in flesh (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8), allowed Himself to be treated as something sub-human.

- This voluntary self-abasement fulfills Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and rejected by men.”

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Rejected by Men, Yet Chosen by God

- The crowds mocked: “He saved others; He cannot save Himself!” (Matthew 27:42).

- Psalm 22:7-8 prophetically records those very taunts. Verse 6 provides the emotional backdrop—Christ feels their contempt yet remains obedient.

- 1 Peter 2:23 highlights His response: “When He was reviled, He did not retaliate.”

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Suffering That Saves

- Christ’s acceptance of humiliation secures our honor before God (Hebrews 12:2).

- By becoming “a worm,” He lifts sinners to sonship (2 Corinthians 8:9).

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Takeaways for Today

• Christ’s humility sets the pattern for ours (Philippians 2:5).

• Earthly scorn does not negate divine purpose—God often works through what the world despises (1 Corinthians 1:27-28).

• Remember the cost of redemption: the Creator chose the place of the lowest creature so we might share His glory.