Topical Bible: Reviling and Reproaching of Christ, Predicted

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The reviling and reproaching of Christ is a significant theme in biblical prophecy, foretelling the suffering and humiliation that the Messiah would endure. This aspect of Christ's passion is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament narratives of Jesus' life and crucifixion.

Old Testament Prophecies

The anticipation of the Messiah's suffering is vividly depicted in the Psalms and the writings of the prophets. Psalm 22 is particularly poignant, as it portrays the anguish and scorn that the Messiah would face. In Psalm 22:6-8 , the psalmist writes, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. 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 is another critical passage that predicts the suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:3 states, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not." This prophecy highlights the rejection and disdain that Christ would experience.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament Gospels provide detailed accounts of the fulfillment of these prophecies. Jesus' life and ministry were marked by opposition and ridicule from religious leaders and others who did not accept His message. The culmination of this reviling occurred during His trial and crucifixion.

In Matthew 27:39-44 , the Gospel writer describes the scene at the crucifixion: "And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, 'You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!' In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked 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. He trusts in God; let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, "I am the Son of God."' In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him."

The Apostle Peter, reflecting on the sufferings of Christ, emphasizes the patience and endurance of Jesus in the face of such reviling. In 1 Peter 2:23 , he writes, "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."

Theological Significance

The reviling and reproaching of Christ serve as a testament to His humility and obedience to the Father's will. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus willingly endured scorn and shame to fulfill the redemptive plan for humanity. This aspect of His passion underscores the depth of His love and the extent of His sacrifice for the salvation of mankind. The prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ's life affirm the reliability of Scripture and the divine orchestration of the events leading to the crucifixion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:9
For the zeal of your house has eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached you are fallen on me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 15:3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached you fell on me.
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Psalm 89:51
With which your enemies have reproached, O LORD; with which they have reproached the footsteps of your anointed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm LXIX.
... Why have "the reproaches of men reproaching Thee fallen upon Me ... "Against Me were
reviling they that ... food so pleasant, so sweet, of the Unity of Christ, of which ...
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