Psalm 22 - David's Preview of the Cross of Christ

"The strongest objective argument for the validity of scripture comes from fulfilled Biblical prophecy." John McArthur

Psalm 22 was written 1,000 years before Jesus' birth, but it is recorded as one standing at the foot of the cross.

the words that He spoke

His injuries (described in detail)

The cross did not appear until 1,000 years after this was written, but the effects of a crucifixion are portrayed in detail.

Is this psalm prophetic or is it about David?

the actions of others at the cross.

no recorded events in David's life that correspond to this

use of specific phrases pertaining only to crucifixion

David doesn't mention any personal sin

no confession of sin

1 Peter 1:10-11 "They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when He told them in advance about Christ's suffering and His great glory afterward. They wondered when and to whom all this would happen."

2 divisions:

1. Verses 1-21 Jesus' thoughts as He hung on the cross-

2. Verses 22-31 His suffering is over and He is praising God and shouting in victory.

V1 My God, My God! Why have You forsaken Me? (Those seeking, those who want to know that I am He Who will die for your sins -- Remember these words -- ancient words that will tell you what is happening. You will hear them again.)

Jesus was on the cross for 6 hours -

The first 3 hours were bright sunlight.

The last 3 hours a noonday darkness appeared.

Vs 1-2 ???Why have You forsaken Me?

Why do You remain silent?

Why do You ignore My cries for help?

THE PROBLEM

In the day - I cry to You. You don't answer.

In the night You hear My voice - but I find no relief!

This is what I am feeling but the truth is ---

THE TRUTH

no "get em God" terminology

V3 You are holy.

Praises are being lifted around Your throne.

V4 Our ancestors trusted You and You rescued them.

You heard their cries for help. You saved them.

THE JOURNEY

But

I am a towla.

Worm - scarlet stuff - crimson - a specific worm - "coccus ilicis"

"When the female of the scarlet worm species was ready to give birth to her young, she would attach her body to the trunk of a tree, fixing herself so firmly and permanently that she would never leave again. The eggs deposited beneath her body were thus protected until the larvae were hatched and able to enter into their own life cycle. As the mother died, the crimson fluid stained her body and the surrounding wood. From the dead bodies of such female scarlet worms, the commercial scarlet dyes of antiquity were extracted. What a picture this gave of Christ, dying on the tree, shedding His precious blood that He might 'bring many sons into glory" (Hebrews 2:10). He died for us that we might live through Him." (Henry Morris, The Biblical Basis for Modern Science,Baker Book House, 1985, page 73)

Not a man (as you are)

Vs 6-8

I am a worm.-- AH! V5 They put their trust in You (laid on You their trust) and they were never disappointed.

scorned by men

despised by people

mocked

hurling of insults

"He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue Him." Matthew 27:43

Let Him deliver Him since He delights in Him.

And He will and He does -- and He will!

Rev. 22-7 "Lord, I'm coming soon!"

22:14 leads again to Psalm 24.

"Open up, ye everlasting doors -- The King of Glory -- His hosts are coming thru."

Abandonment

Vs 9-11 You placed Me in My mother's womb. And so were you. Ps 127:3, Ps 139:13

You made me trust in You.

Even when I was nursing, I was cast on You. You have always been My God.

Don't be far

This is bad (trouble) and there is no one to help.

My friends (Peter...) denied Me, My friend (Judas) betrayed Me. Where are they? Have they fled?

And You, Lord, where are You?

Why did Jesus feel abandoned?

. I need You. (Calling for God to be near Him) - Am I all alone? So alone- shaking of head

V9 He was in fellowship with God.

Mark 1:11 "You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased."

He did nothing to feel abandoned, but He felt forsaken.

God is holy and Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world. Isaiah 53:5

Our healing cost Him the pain of abandonment.

Death by Crucifixion

Vs 12-15 The scene: Those watching look like:

Poetic metaphors: strong bulls, roaring lions, scary looking people.

Feels hopeless, no escape, no chance if He is to accomplish that which He has set out to do.

His emotions

: He was from the very moment of His birth.

poured out like water empty - nothing left

bones hurt stretched out of joint

heart feels like wax - melting away

dried up clay (potsherd)

Remember, there has not been, nor will there be, death like this for over 1,000 years.

Vs16-18 Prophetic description of Jesus' death

Dogs (Jewish word for Gentiles) have surrounded Me (especially Romans)

Band of evil men encircle Me.

They have pierced My hands and My feet - Roman crucifixion.

I can count My bones.

They stare and gloat over Me.

They divide My garments among them. They cast lots for My clothing.

extreme thirst You lay me in the dust of the earth.

Vs 19-22 His final prayer

But You (not them), but You - don't be far off.

O My strength. Come quickly to Me.

Deliver My life from the "sword" (a symbol of government authority).

Mouth of the lions - invisible and satanic forces

Horns of the wild oxen - picture of death

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit!"'

Luke 23:46 (Father, You are the only One Who can save Me.)

The scene changes

Only after the resurrection can we share His life, be joint heirs - the family of God.

(He started Psalm 22 with, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" He ends it with, "It is finished."

The suffering and the resurrected Savior.)

Vs 23-24 God the Father heard the prayer of God the Son.

And Jesus says, "Praise Him!"

He did not despise me, as I was suffering and afflicted.

He did not hide His face from Me.

He listened to My cry for help.

Oh -- Praise Him!

Hebrews 13:20-21

Jesus died, God raised Him from the dead.

His life is now our life and we now, who receive Him - we belong to Him.

Vs 25-26 Power of the Resurrection

Jesus will fulfill His promise.

Our needs will be met.

We will praise Him forever.

Hebrews 7:25 He lives to intercede for us!

Vs 27-28 Jesus extends this salvation to the ends of the earth. He draws us in that we might live in Him and worship Him.

Matthew 28:19-20

Vs 29-31 The rich, the living, the poor, those who died, those not yet born will hear that Jesus died. He was crucified and He lives again. He brings righteousness and deliverance. "It is finished."

- no more pain, no more alone, no more separation from God or people.