Introduction:

1. The concepts above appear to be in tension with one another.

2. The full biblical context of these concepts relieves this tension.

Discussion:

I. The Biblical Context of the Phrase

A. Two passages at its foundation:

1. In Job 25:4-6, Bildad the Shuhite rebutted Job’s defense.

2. In Psalm 22:6, David called himself “a worm and no man”.

B. The meaning of the two passages:

1. Bildad’s rebuttal is suspect as God rebuked him in Job 42:7-9.

2. Psalm 22:6 has two very important points to consider:

a. It is primarily Messianic (vv. 7-8 cf. Matthew 27:42-43, 46; vv. 22, 25 cf. Hebrews 2:12).

b. It portrays David and Jesus’ enemies view of them.

II. The Biblical Valuation of Humanity

A. Throughout Scripture, humanity is valued at the top of the created order (Genesis 1:26-28; 9:5-6; Psalms 8:3-8; Matthew 6:25-26).

B. God’s love for humanity is consistently affirmed (Psalms 118; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4; 1 John 3:1-3).

C. The sacrifice of His Son and His continued patience towards us demonstrate that God does not see us as “such a worm.”

1. Isaac Watts’ hymn Alas and Did My Savior Bleed does a tremendous job of promoting proper humility in view of God’s great love.

2. By comparison to “that sacred head” we are as lowly as a worm.

3. Nonetheless, we must not lose sight of the value He has given us both in creation (Genesis 1:26-28) and recreation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

4. As John said, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us that we should be called sons of God!” (1 John 3:1)