Christ's Suffering (Psalm 22)

What about Jesus’ suffering is prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures? Let’s look at one such passage, Psalm 22.

What did Jesus quote on the cross, right at the point of His death? Do we ever feel like this?

My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far from delivering me—from my groaning words? My God, I cry out to you throughout the day, but you do not answer; and throughout the night, but I have no rest. (Ps 22:1-2 ISV Mat 27:46)

What is the truth of God’s delivery, even when we feel abandoned?

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. (Ps 22:3-5 KJV)

Do we have this kind of humility, absolute realization of the truth about ourselves?

But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; They smack their lip, they wag their head, saying, “Commit yourself to Yahweh; let Him rescue him; Let Him deliver him, because He delights in him.” (Ps 22:6-8 LSB Mat 27:39, 43)

Do we have this kind of absolute realization of the truth about God?

Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb. (Ps 22:9-10 NASB)

Do we have this kind of absolute realization of the evil dangers all about us?

Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. (Ps 22:11-15 NIV)

Are there prophetic lyrics of Jesus’ suffering in this Psalm?

For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. (Ps 22:16-18 NKJV John 19:23)

What is the plea of the Psalmist? Have we ever been in such a dangerous situation?

O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. (Ps 22:19-21 NLT)

What do we do about a Savior who willingly suffered the worst of what humanity can deliver?

I will declare your name to my brothers. Among the assembly, I will praise you. You who fear Yahweh, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him! Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard. (Ps 22:22-24 WEB)

Do we offer praise to God in the congregation, or just watch while a leader prays? Does our whole being live for Him?

I offer praise in the great congregation because of you; I will fulfill my promises in the presence of those who honor God. Let all those who are suffering eat and be full! Let all who seek the Lord praise him! I pray your hearts live forever! Every part of the earth will remember and come back to the Lord; every family among all the nations will worship you. Because the right to rule belongs to the Lord, he rules all nations. Indeed, all the earth’s powerful will worship him; all who are descending to the dust will kneel before him; my being also lives for him. Future descendants will serve him; generations to come will be told about my Lord. They will proclaim God’s righteousness to those not yet born, telling them what God has done. (Ps 22:25-31 CEB John 19:30)

What was one of the hardest times for Jesus during His crucifixion when He quoted this Psalm?

Then about that time Jesus shouted, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you deserted me?” (Mat 27:46 CEV)

What about Jesus’ suffering is prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures? You decide!