The Crucifixion

Psalm 22

This is an amazing Psalm, one of agony, desperation… and victory.  It is entirely fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus, and it contains details of what the crucified person endures before they die, that are amazing.  These details are amazing even if the Psalmist had known about crucifixion when he wrote this.  When you consider the fact that the Psalm was written about 700 years before crucifixion was even invented, the details are not only amazing; they are prophetic.

Prophecies and fulfillments:

Crucifixion details:

v. 14:     ‘poured out like water’

‘bones out of joint’

‘heart turned to wax… melted away within me’ very elevated heartbeat, respiration and blood pressure

v. 15     ‘strength dried up… tongue sticks to roof of mouth’ severe dehydration

v. 16:    ‘pierced my hands and my feet’

v. 17:    ‘can count all my bones’ bones not broken

v. 18     ‘divide my garments among them’ people were crucified naked

Outline

A. Despair (1-21b)

B. Delivery (21c)

C. Victory (22-31)

Postscript: It may seem somewhat strange to post this particular passage of Messianic Prophecy on the Sunday before Christmas, but I have done so intentionally. I did this because this deep into the Christmas Season, it strikes me as important to regain some focus on what really was going on in that manger when the Son of God came into this world.  Like you, I have been listening to the Christmas carols and other music, I’ve listened to the story of the events in Bethlehem recited and made plans for Wednesday’s activities. Before we get too carried away, let’s remember that Jesus did not come to earth just to be born. Instead, He came to complete a mission from God the Father to shed His blood for the salvation of Mankind, to establish a New Covenant and redeem Mankind to God and His purpose.  With all of this in mind, please accept my best wished for a wonderful Christmas!