But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
Over the centuries, the name of Jesus has come to be revered and respected by His followers. But there was a brief window of time when the followers of Jesus fled and hid themselves. The name “Jesus” was a reproach to them. When Jesus was arrested, “all the disciples forsook Him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). What would you have done? Peter ran away—but not too far, because he got entrance into the high priest’s courtyard. A servant girl—the gatekeeper—recognized Peter and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth” (Mark 14:67). Peter denied it three times in rapid succession; and the third time, “he began to curse and swear” (Mark 14:71). Why? Because Jesus had been a Reproach to him. Has Jesus ever become a Reproach to you? Have you ever denied Him?
Lord Jesus, I am not perfect. I do not always speak up as a Christian, but You are not a Reproach to me. I will speak boldly in Your name in the future.
When Peter denied Jesus, he fulfilled the Old Testament prediction that Jesus would be a Reproach of Men. Hanging on the cross, Jesus was cursed, mocked, spat upon and rejected by the multitudes. But even in His rejection, a thief believed in Him; His mother and John were commissioned by Him; and at His death, the centurion recognized Jesus as a righteous man.
Lord Jesus, there are many who reject You in this world, but You are not a Reproach to me. I take the name of Christ; I am glad to be a Christian. Amen.
Jesus is either a reproach to you or He is your Savior.
