You may say I’m a week late–I say I’m 51 weeks early–to discuss how the 22nd Psalm, which was written hundreds of years before the time of Jesus, prophesies His crucifixion. If I’m going to posit that the prophecies of the Bible point to its veracity, as I certainly did in last week’s message, then I should highlight more examples, which is not at all difficult, as this Psalm is the most quoted one in the New Testament:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [v. 1a]
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?“ [Matthew 27:46c]
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:”[v. 7]
“Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads.”[Matthew 27:39]
“He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him.” [v.8a]
“He trusts in God. Let God rescue him.” [Matthew 27:43a,b]
“They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”[v. 18]
“When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” [Matthew 27:35]
Plus other verses in Psalm 22 clearly describe a crucifixion:
“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and feet.” [vs. 14-16]
So am I really 51 weeks early to discuss the events of Good Friday? Or, do you think that perhaps the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus should be considered, at least once, every week of the year?
Next week, same thing.