The reviling of Jesus refers to the instances in the New Testament where Jesus Christ was subjected to mockery, scorn, and verbal abuse. This reviling is a significant aspect of the Passion narratives, highlighting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the depth of Christ's suffering for humanity's redemption.

Old Testament Prophecies

The reviling of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and the writings of the prophets. Psalm 22:7-8 vividly anticipates the mockery Jesus would endure: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 'He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.'" Isaiah 53:3 also prophesies the Messiah's rejection: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief."

New Testament Fulfillment

The Gospels provide detailed accounts of the reviling Jesus faced, particularly during His trial and crucifixion. In Matthew 27:27-31 , Roman soldiers mock Jesus by dressing Him in a scarlet robe, placing a crown of thorns on His head, and kneeling before Him in false homage, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat on Him and struck Him on the head with a staff.

During the crucifixion, the mockery continued. Matthew 27:39-44 describes how passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders derided Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him." Even the robbers crucified alongside Him heaped insults upon Him.

Significance in the Passion Narrative

The reviling of Jesus underscores the extent of His humiliation and the fulfillment of His role as the Suffering Servant. Despite being the Son of God, He endured the ultimate scorn and shame, remaining silent and submissive, as prophesied in Isaiah 53:7 : "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth."

This aspect of Christ's passion serves to highlight His obedience to the Father's will and His love for humanity. The reviling He endured is a testament to His willingness to bear the sins of the world, as He was "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:5).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the reviling of Jesus is a profound demonstration of His humility and the depth of His sacrificial love. Philippians 2:7-8 speaks to this humility: "He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."

The reviling also serves as a model for believers, who are called to endure persecution and mockery for the sake of Christ. 1 Peter 2:23 encourages believers to follow Christ's example: "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly."

Conclusion

The reviling of Jesus is a poignant reminder of the suffering He willingly endured for the salvation of humanity. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies and exemplifies the depth of His love and obedience. Through His example, believers are called to endure suffering and persecution with patience and trust in God's justice.Matthew 27:39-44
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Nave's Topical Index

He Explains what it Means to Confess, and what it Means to ...
... Do you think that I am reviling and cursing? What I am saying is not my own idea:
for lo, the Evangelist says, "Every one that dissolveth Jesus is not of God ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter x he explains what.htm

Jesus Before the Jewish Rulers. Ch. 22:63-71
... 63 And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and beat him.64 And they blindfolded
him, and asked him ... 65 And many other things spake they against him, reviling him ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f jesus before the jewish.htm

Eclipse of the Sun.
... Both men and beasts were struck with terror; the enemies of Jesus ceased reviling
him, while the Pharisees endeavoured to give philosophical reasons for what ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xliii eclipse of the.htm

Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the ...
... against him, reviling him. [To spit in the face has been an insult in all ages and
in all lands. See Numbers 12:14; Deuteronomy 25:9; Job 30:10. Jesus, having ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxvi second stage of jewish.htm

And when Pilate Heard this Saying, He Took Jesus Out...
... this tablet [3579] read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified ...
were standing beholding; and they [36] that passed by were reviling [3585] him ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section li and when pilate.htm

It is a Matter of Doubt, Whether the Faith by which Abraham is ...
... by which Abraham is said to be justified, was a faith in Jesus Christ who ... a mild
course of instruction, and not to make it a subject of reviling or provocation ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article iii it is a.htm

Jesus and his Fellow Townsmen.
... 'This day,' said Jesus, 'is this ... knew him too well, were too wide-awake to be cozened
by him, and to avoid their expected challenge, fell to reviling the holy ...
/.../macdonald/hope of the gospel/jesus and his fellow townsmen.htm

Looking unto Jesus
... think thou of the shame and spitting, the plucking off the hair, the reviling of
the ... lightning flash, as bright but not as transient, will a look to Jesus prove ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/looking unto jesus.htm

Psalm XLI.
... Now then our Lord Jesus Christ being in heaven set down, and Himself in us ... be unable
to persuade men that Christ is nought; and because by reviling Christ, he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xli.htm

The First Word from the Cross
... Even before the scene of the crucifixion terminated, one of the two thieves crucified
along with Jesus, who had taken part in reviling Him, was converted; and ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xiv the first word.htm

What is a reviler in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus say “Father, forgive them” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

Reviling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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