The Reproach of Our Lameness

The story of Mephibosheth and David is a beautiful picture of Christ's dealing with poor lost sinners. He takes us unto himself when we are vile and despised and of no use to Him. He does it out of mercy and in grace toward us. The Father takes us as sons, and we're made to sit in heavenly places in Christ.

But in the description of Mephibosheth's treatment by David the King, there is that last little phrase, tacked onto the description of how he did always eat at the King's table: and he was lame in both his feet.

Why was there so much emphasis upon the lameness of Mephibosheth?

The Scriptures tell the tale, for five chapters prior to the story of Mephibosheth, we find an incident in which the Jebusites insulted the newly crowned King David and refused to submit to him.

They taunted his right to rule over them, by saying that even the blind and the lame amongst them could prevent David's conquering their city of Jerusalem. The text tells us that David's soul hated the blind and the lame, and a new rule was put into effect, that the blind and lame could never be allowed into his house.

David's behavior was primitive and vindictive, but it explains why his compassion on Mephibosheth was so remarkable: because he had to eat his proud words when he took Mephibosheth into his house to eat at his table.

Our sins are an offense against a Holy God; our physical ailments are an insulting reminder of our spiritual rebellion against Christ.

Yet Jesus showed compassion upon every lame person that ever drew near unto Him! His healing of the lame portended the spiritual cleansing which He would make for His people at Calvary. Our reproach fell on Jesus there.