Reviling and reproaching are actions characterized by harsh and insulting language, often intended to demean or belittle. In the context of the Bible, these actions are frequently associated with the wicked, who direct their scorn and contempt toward the righteous, and most notably, against Jesus Christ Himself.

Throughout the New Testament, instances of reviling and reproaching against Christ are documented, highlighting the opposition and hostility He faced during His earthly ministry. These actions are emblematic of the broader rejection and misunderstanding of His divine mission and identity by those who opposed Him.

Scriptural Instances:

1. Matthew 27:39-44 : During the crucifixion, those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" Similarly, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him."

2. Mark 15:29-32 : In Mark's account, the mockery continues with those passing by deriding Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself by coming down from the cross!" The chief priests and scribes also mocked Him among themselves, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself."

3. Luke 23:35-39 : The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also mocked Him, offering Him sour wine and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!" One of the criminals who hung there also hurled insults at Him: "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"

4. John 19:1-3 : Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and dressed Him in a purple robe. They went up to Him repeatedly and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they slapped Him in the face.

Theological Implications:

The reviling and reproaching of Christ by the wicked serve as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and underscore the depth of human sinfulness and rebellion against God. Psalm 22, a messianic psalm, vividly anticipates the suffering and mockery that the Messiah would endure: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads" (Psalm 22:7).

These acts of scorn also highlight the contrast between the world's perception of power and the true nature of divine strength and humility. Christ's willingness to endure such reproach without retaliation exemplifies His obedience to the Father's will and His commitment to the redemptive mission.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

For believers, the reviling of Christ serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the reality of opposition in a fallen world. Jesus Himself warned His followers that they would face similar treatment: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). Christians are called to respond to reviling with grace and patience, following the example of Christ, who "when He was reviled, did not revile in return" (1 Peter 2:23).

In enduring reviling and reproach, Christ demonstrated the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, providing a model for His followers to emulate in their own lives as they bear witness to the truth of the Gospel.Matthew 27:39
And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 7:34
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and you say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Paralytic Let Down through the Roof.
... one of them checked him who was reviling the Lord. ... demonstrated this: for when he
was reproaching the Corinthians ... How then do the envious and wicked act, and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily on the paralytic let.htm

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