I am still in Psalm 22, the Bible Chapter that most clearly describes a man being crucified.

Where Jesus in Verse 6 succinctly says, “But I am a worm, and no man.”

Now does that sound like physical agony to you? I suggest not. (Though in no way am I minimizing Jesus’ bodily pain on the Cross. That alone was excruciating, no doubt.)

I am just trying to point us even “deeper” into the shameful Calvary Ordeal that Day long ago.

Again … “I am a worm,” laments Jesus.

Soul suffering, thinks Brother Bagwell!

Why a worm?

Maybe this verse can help us. Where Jesus, talking or teaching about Hell describes it as a place … “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:44

Could Jesus be implying that “on the Cross” He (in His soul) suffered the agony of Hell for us?

Hell is, as we know, a place of “separation” from God … and Jesus will soon cry loudly … “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

I am certainly in “over my head” as we contemplate Calvary, what our dear Lord endured there.

But I am sure He suffered more deeply than we’ve normally understood. Even more than the nails and lashes and thorns!

Yes, in His Spirit, His Soul!

Our Lord, calling Himself a “worm” … experiencing “even the death of the Cross” … making the sin payment for lost humanity … giving His All, Body and Soul and Spirit!

What a Saviour!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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