365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns August 09

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

August 09

JESUS: A REPROACH OF MEN

But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

PSALM 22:6

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" (v. 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.

Reading: Mark 14:66-72

Key Thought: Jesus is either a Reproach to you or He is your Savior.