Fifth Sunday in Lent – Thursday

But I am a worm and no man, a reproach of men, and despised of the people. 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 that He delighted in Him. – Psalm 22:6-8.

Thus did the Savior, the Messiah, by the mouth of David, foretell His own suffering. See how it all was fulfilled!

They that passed by the cross railed on Him, wagging their heads and saying: “Ah, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days; save Thyself! If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:39-40; Mark 15:29-30). Likewise, the chief priests, mocking among themselves with the scribes and elders, together with the people, said: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save! If He be Christ, the King of Israel, the Chosen of God, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him; for He said, I am the Son of God” (Matthew 27:41-43; Mark 15:31-32; Luke 23:35). The thieves also, who were crucified with Him, cast the same thing in His teeth, and reviled Him. And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him, offering Him vinegar, and saying: “If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself!” (Matthew 27:44; Mark 15:32; Luke 23:36-37).

Thus, from every quarter, scorn and derision were poured out upon the Righteous One in His bitter suffering. He suffered this for us. And now, we sinners, as a result of His work of redemption, are hailed by God with nothing but kindest greetings, and are received with highest honors. But, while we live here below, let us go forth in the name of our Savior, who still is continually reviled, and let us freely confess Him and bear His reproach. He Himself will help us to do so (Matthew 28:20)!

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, the reproach which I, a miserable sinner, have deserved, hath fallen on Thee, for Thou didst bear my sin. And the sublime honor and glory, which belongs to Thee, shall be my portion through Thy vicarious atonement and the reconciliation Thou hast effected on behalf of the whole world. I glorify Thee for such mercy! Grant that, in faith, I continue to grasp this and hold fast to it. Bestow upon me a rich measure of Thy Holy Spirit, working through Thy Word, that, unafraid, I may take my stand with Thee, gladly bearing Thy reproach, O Lord, my only Savior and Redeemer! Amen.

Grant that I may willingly,

bear with Thee my crosses;

learning humbleness of Thee,

peace mid pain and losses.

May I give Thee love for love!

Hear me, O my Savior;

that I may in heaven above,

sing Thy praise forever.

(Hymn 140, st. 6; TLH)