“But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.”
(Psalm 22:6)
In ancient Hebrew texts, the idea of “bearing iniquities” is not about assuming the guilt for sin intrinsically but rather bearing the burden of its external debt and due punishment. This concept can be found in the rites and rituals described in Exodus where Aaron, serving as God’s appointed high priest for His people Israel, is said to bear the iniquity of holy things (Exodus 28:38). This essentially meant that Aaron would carry or take away the punishment for violating these holy things.[1]
Similar examples abound in Scripture where Aaron and his sons bore the sins of the people. They did not take on the sins intrinsically but rather represented them symbolically. One such example is seen in Leviticus 16:22 where a goat is made to bear the iniquities of the children of Israel. This process was a foreshadowing, a picture of what Christ would do for His elect.
Scripture frequently uses language that communicates this weight of sin or iniquity, often in the context of punishment or consequences (Ezekiel 18:19,20; 23:35). In the New Testament, Christ’s sacrifice is portrayed as Him bearing the sins of many, willingly taking the heavy burden of our transgressions on Himself (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24). The text paints a picture of Christ as a load bearer, much like a porter carrying a weighty burden.
To understand the magnitude of this burden of sin and the depths of shame Christ suffered on the cross, contemplate this prophetic passage in Psalm 22:6, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.” Though Christ was the very essence of holiness, He humbled Himself, taking a position lower than the lowest of men, that He might carry the weight of our sin . . . not through intrinsic guilt but in the context of its legal consequence.
The legal representation of Christ’s work can be further clarified using the analogy of an advocate. An advocate, in defending a client, becomes the client in the eyes of the law, assuming the same legal standing. Similarly, Christ became our surety, taking upon Himself our legal debts that He might satisfy the justice of God. Though legally Christ bore the punishment for our sin, He remained untainted by its intrinsic guilt.
In reflecting upon Christ’s work, believers can find solace in the fact that their debt has been satisfied. Christ’s death on the cross fulfilled God’s due bill for our sin debt and paid it in full (1 Peter 2:24). This divine truth is a powerful testament to the extent of God’s love and grace and an invitation to accept His gift of salvation that is so freely given.
Contemplations:
- The Nature of Bearing: When I think of the way Aaron and his sons bore the iniquities of the people, I’m reminded of the weight and consequence of sin. Yet, they were merely a foreshadow of the ultimate sin bearer – Christ. While they symbolically represented the sins of the people of Israel, Christ bore the full weight of the sins of the world on the cross. How profound is this love, that He would take on such a burden for me!
- Reflection on Psalm 22:6. Reading the words, “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people,” I am filled with sorrow and gratitude. It serves as a stark reminder of the depths to which Christ humbled Himself for my sake. Though divine, He was willing to be seen as less than the least, that He might redeem me.
- Christ, My Advocate. I often imagine a courtroom, where I stand guilty with insurmountable evidence against me. And then in steps Christ, my advocate, who takes my place and faces the penalty for my sins. This imagery is a daily reminder of the grace I’ve been extended and the freedom I now enjoy because of His sacrifice.
- Debt Paid in Full. The idea that Christ paid my specific debt, not some generic debt, is overwhelming. Each sin, every wrong I’ve committed, He bore specifically on the cross. There is no greater love than this, and it calls me to a life of gratitude and devotion.
A Prayer of Gratitude for Christ Bearing My Sin and Shame
O merciful and righteous God, You who are infinitely holy and just, I come before You in awe and reverence. You alone are the Judge of all the earth, the One whose throne is established upon righteousness and truth. Your justice is perfect, Your law unyielding, and yet in the wonder of Your grace, You have provided a way for sinners to be reconciled. Blessed be Your name, O Lord, for Your wisdom and mercy, for Your plan of redemption accomplished through Christ who bore my burden on that cursed tree.
Father, I confess that I am not worthy of such a sacrifice. My sin is weighty, my guilt is great, and in myself, I have no plea. When I consider the depths of my depravity, I see that I have violated Your holy law in thought, word, and deed. How often have I strayed from Your commands, loving myself more than You, seeking my own way rather than walking in obedience? I am undone, O Lord, for my transgressions are ever before me. Yet, You did not leave me to bear my own punishment, for in love, You laid my sin upon the spotless Lamb.
Thank You, God, for the suffering of Christ, for the burden He bore, for the shame He endured that I might go free. He who knew no sin became sin for me, standing in my place, taking upon Himself the wrath I deserved. How can I comprehend such love? That He would humble Himself to be despised, to be counted as nothing, to be treated as a worm and no man—this is love beyond measure! He bore my reproach, my condemnation, my guilt, though He remained pure and undefiled. O Lord, let my heart never grow cold to this truth. Let me never treat lightly the price that was paid for my redemption.
O Christ, my Advocate, my Surety, my Ransom! You stood in my stead, taking upon Yourself the full weight of my debt, satisfying the justice of God on my behalf. When the accuser brings forward his charges, You answer for me. When my sins rise up to condemn me, Your blood speaks a better word. When my heart falters under the weight of past failures, You remind me that the debt has been paid in full. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Now, Lord, let me live in the freedom You have purchased for me. Let my life be a song of gratitude, my obedience a testimony of love. Since You have taken my burden, let me not foolishly pick it up again. Since You have borne my shame, let me walk in the dignity of one who is clothed in Your righteousness. Keep me from presumption, from taking grace for granted. Keep me from doubting, as though Your payment were not enough. Let me rest in the assurance that the work is finished, that my sins—every failure, every transgression—have been nailed to the cross, never to rise against me again.
And Lord, as I reflect upon the agony Christ endured, let my love for Him deepen. Let my hatred for sin increase. Let me remember that what cost Him so dearly should never be held lightly by me. May I live to honor Him who gave Himself for me, to proclaim the wonder of the gospel, and to rejoice in the great exchange—my sin for His righteousness, my debt for His full payment, my shame for His glory.
All praise be to You, O God, for the Lamb who was slain, for the Redeemer who lives, for the Advocate who intercedes. In the name of Jesus, my Surety, my Savior, my Lord, Amen.
Further References for Psalm 22:6:
Job 25:6; Isa. 49:7; Isa. 41:1; Psalm 31:11
[1] Samuel Rutherford, The Tryal & Triumph of Faith, (London: John Field, 1652). 263.
