Crimson worm

Reflection

The crimson worm, sometimes called the scarlet worm, is a small creature referenced in some Christian teaching as an illustration of the crucifixion, based on details of its life cycle where the female attaches herself permanently to a surface to lay her eggs, dying in the process and leaving a crimson stain, later associated by some teachers with Psalm 22's description of being a worm and not a man. Such illustrations should be treated with a degree of caution, since some popular versions circulate with exaggerated or unverifiable biological detail. The theological point they aim to make, however, echoes something scripture states plainly: that Christ's suffering on the cross was willing, sacrificial, and marked by identification with humanity's lowliness. Illustrations can be useful teaching tools, but scripture itself, read carefully, remains the most reliable foundation for understanding the meaning of the cross.

Questions to sit with

• How do you feel about using nature illustrations to explain theological truths?
• What does Psalm 22 add to your understanding of Christ's suffering?
• Why is it important to check such illustrations against scripture directly?

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