#Jesus22 - Daily DevotionalsSample

The worm on the cross

Did you know that even in a worm there is a deep Christian symbolism? It is about the "coccus ilicis", the crimson worm; in English, one would probably say "louse". When the time has come to lay the eggs, the mother animal climbs onto a wooden branch. It attaches itself firmly to the wood. Attempting to separate it again, the animal would tear. The worm then builds a shell over itself and lays the eggs. During the whole process, a substance is released that turns the larvae and everything around them blood red. The mother animal dies.

Some people associate this worm with Psalm 22, also called the “Psalm of the Crucifixion”. There it says, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” Jesus was also connected to a wood: the cross.

But the most beautiful connection of this worm image with Jesus is the fact that during or through the connection with the wood, life comes into being. In the case of the worm, it is the descendants. Jesus, through His death, makes life possible for many people. A new life full of forgiveness, hope, healing, and future. But for this, He has to give His life. He hung on that wood all alone. Right at the beginning of the psalm, it says, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” A sentence that Jesus Himself quoted shortly before His death. This terrible moment Jesus had to endure is perhaps the most important in the story. It is the moment in which Jesus made life possible for all people. For everyone who asks Him for this life.

ACTION STEP

Take a moment today to say "thank you" to Jesus. For going to the cross. For giving His life for you, His blood, so that you can live. For taking away guilt, sickness, or other things that burden you. And that He can and will change your life. Imagine the worms crawling into the world. What will they do with their lives? What can you do with your life that Jesus has made possible for you through His death? You can also define this in a next step.