When Jesus quoted Psalm 22 on the cross, He revealed the depth of divine purpose behind His suffering. This moment is not a random cry of pain but a deliberate fulfillment of Scripture that connects David’s ancient lament to Christ’s redemptive mission. By referencing Psalm 22, Jesus invited all who heard Him to see that even in His agony, God’s plan for salvation was unfolding exactly as foretold. Understanding this truth deepens our faith and strengthens our confidence that God’s promises never fail.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1
Understanding the Power of Jesus Quoting Psalm 22 on the Cross
In the most heart-wrenching moment of Jesus’ crucifixion, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). These words are not just an expression of agony. They are deeply prophetic and filled with meaning. They echo Psalm 22’s opening line, written by King David centuries earlier. This connection reveals the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the power of God’s redemptive plan.
The Background: David’s Lament and Prophetic Vision
Psalm 22 was written by King David during a time of intense personal suffering. He cried out in despair, ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?’ (Psalm 22:1). The Hebrew word used here, ‘azab, means to leave, forsake, or abandon. David faced betrayal and pursuit from his enemies. He felt utterly deserted by God.
Psalm 22 is more than a lament. It is a prophetic vision that reaches beyond David’s own life. The psalm contains vivid descriptions of suffering that go beyond what David himself endured and point directly to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Prophetic Fulfillment in Jesus’ Crucifixion
When Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 on the cross, He is not just identifying with David’s suffering; He is fulfilling a prophecy written a thousand years before His birth. Let’s explore some of the specific ways Psalm 22 foreshadows the events of the crucifixion:
- Piercing of Hands and Feet: Psalm 22:16 says, “They have pierced my hands and my feet.” This is a precise description of crucifixion, a method of execution not known during David’s time. Yet, it perfectly describes the way Jesus was nailed to the cross, His hands and feet pierced as He hung in agony.
- Mockery and Scorn: Psalm 22:7-8 describes how the sufferer is mocked and ridiculed: “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. ‘He trusts in the Lord,’ they say, ‘let the Lord rescue him.’” This prophecy was fulfilled as Jesus was mocked by the religious leaders and passersby while He was on the cross (Matthew 27:39-43). They taunted Him, challenging His trust in God, just as the psalm predicted.
- Casting Lots for Clothing: Psalm 22:18 states, “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” This specific detail was fulfilled when the Roman soldiers cast lots to determine who would take Jesus’ seamless tunic (John 19:23-24). This seemingly minor act was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy, underscoring the accuracy and divine orchestration of these events.
The Significance of Jesus’ Cry
When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was not merely expressing His suffering but was pointing those around Him—and us today—to the fulfillment of Psalm 22. The Greek word used in the Gospels for “forsaken” is egkataleipó, meaning to leave behind or desert completely. In this moment, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin, experiencing the separation from God that we deserve. This cry was the culmination of His suffering, where He felt the anguish of divine abandonment so that we would never have to experience it ourselves.
But Psalm 22 doesn’t end in despair. It transitions from a cry of abandonment to a declaration of trust and hope in God’s deliverance. The psalmist moves from suffering to victory, from death to life—mirroring the journey of Jesus from the cross to the resurrection. By quoting this psalm, Jesus was pointing to the ultimate victory that was to come, signaling that His suffering was part of God’s redemptive plan.
Application: What This Means for Us Today
The fulfillment of Psalm 22 in Jesus’ crucifixion is not just a historical event but a source of deep comfort and hope for us today. It reminds us that God’s plans are sovereign and meticulously fulfilled. Jesus’ cry of abandonment assures us that He fully understands our moments of despair and loneliness. Yet, because He endured this separation from God on our behalf, we are promised that we will never be forsaken.
In our own lives, we may experience times when we feel abandoned or distant from God. But Jesus’ experience on the cross teaches us that even in our darkest moments, God’s plan is at work, leading us from suffering to glory, from death to life.
Reflection and Journal Prompt
Take some time to meditate on the prophetic nature of Psalm 22 and its fulfillment in Jesus’ crucifixion. Consider how this deepens your understanding of the cross and the lengths to which God went to secure your salvation.
Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or distant from God. How does Jesus’ cry from the cross speak into that experience? Grab your My Devotion Journal and write about how understanding the fulfillment of Psalm 22 in Jesus’ suffering and victory can bring you comfort and hope in your current circumstances.
Conclusion: The Profound Truth of the Cross
In the cry of Jesus, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” we see the intersection of prophecy and fulfillment, suffering and salvation, despair and hope. This moment on the cross is not just a cry of agony but a declaration of victory. Jesus endured the ultimate separation from God so that we would never have to. His fulfillment of Psalm 22 assures us that even in our darkest moments, God’s redemptive plan is at work, leading us to eternal life with Him. This is the profound truth of the cross—a truth that transforms our despair into hope, our suffering into glory, and our death into life.
