Psalm 22 (Part 1)

Introduction:

This is an interesting and intense Psalm.Where as most of the Psalms served as functional worship for the Jewish people, there was a distinct disconnect to the intent and meaning behind Psalm 22.The Jews never knew exactly when to sing the 22nd Psalm . . . in fact, we’re told that they rarely did.Perhaps the reason, and most scholars agree, is that there was no corresponding time in David’s life when these verses would apply.While Psalm 22 is a Psalm of David there are no incidents recorded of his life that can begin to account for the words and descriptions of this Psalm, even if they are merely poetic.To add to this, during David’s time know one had even heard of crucifixion.  The Jews would have put criminals to death by stoning. So this is a prophetic Psalm, a Messianic Psalm, a Psalm of the Cross... and we’re going to handle this in 2 parts and in 2 different ways.This week we’re going to spend most of our time in the dark . . . namely, the three hours of darkness during the crucifixion when God’s wrath was being poured out on His beloved Son for the sin of His people.There is a great deal of instruction for us in watching how Jesus handled suffering and hopeless circumstance.We’ll end with purpose and victory.Next week we’ll spend our time in the second half of the Psalm and step into the eternal hope of the Gospel.

Transition:

To begin I’d just like to read straight through to you Psalm 22:1-21 and then we’ll step back and make a few quick observations before we head into a time of worship and prayer.Psalm 22:1-21

The Savior Forsaken (vs.1-2)

Here is probably the most disturbing verses perhaps in all of Scripture.  Jesus cries out for God to help Him, but no one answers . . . there is unexplainable silence . . . how could one Person of the Trinity turn His back on another?  How could God be silent?As we think about this principle, I’d like to ask you if your sin has ever come between you and God?  Have you ever cried out for help only to find God silent?  This is the very reason that Jesus died.  He died because God cannot look on sin, He can’t associate with it, He can’t coddle and care for those who are living in it.Without the sacrifice of Jesus, God the Father would be alienated from the world and without repentance we would be forever forsaken.

The Character of God (vs.3-5)

I find this fascinating and highly informative . . . Notice that in Jesus’ agony and suffering He remembers God’s character. When God was nowhere to be found, Jesus relied on what He new to be true of God to get Him through the cross.In particular, in these verses, Jesus reminds Himself that God can be trusted. I believe that this is a significant life strategy . . . to endure suffering and hopelessness we must rely on what we know to be true of our heavenly Father.One day, if I can find someone crazy enough to do this, I’d love to publish a book about how to survive suffering and bring hope into a hopeless situation.It can sit on the shelf in bookstores right between The Power of the Positive Mind and whatever book Oprah is supporting at the moment.In it the introduction would read, “Know Your God.” and then chapter 1 would be a list and explanation of all of God’s characteristics and attributes.  The rest of the book would be blank for dramatic effect.Eh . . . maybe I’d add a chapter on a selection of God’s divinely revealed Names . . . but then blank.

The Savior Mocked (vs.6-8)

A contrast here that bears mentioning.Charles Haddon Spurgeon expressed it best when he remarked, “This verse is a miracle in language. How could the Lord of glory be brought to such abasement as to be not only lower than the angels, but even lower than men. What a contrast between ‘I AM’ and ‘I am a worm’!”

The Savior Crucified (vs.12-18)

This is the section where we find many disturbingly graphic and highly specific prophetic details concerning the crucifixion of Jesus, which was more than 1,000 years away.C.I. Scofield breaks it down this way,  

• The bones of the hands, arms, shoulders, and pelvis out of joint (vs.14)
• The intense perspiration caused by intense suffering (vs.14)
• The beating of the heart affected (vs.14)
• strength exhausted and extreme thirst (vs.15)
• the hands and feet pierced (vs.16)
• partial nudity (vs.17) - although I would suggest that it was total nudity, regardless, the point remains
• The desolate cry, periods of light and darkness, casting lots for His clothes, all these and more were literally fulfilled in the event of the crucifixion.

Hope is Restored (vs.19-21)

While Jesus is still on the cross, still suffering, and still crying out in pain . . . the darkness lifts and He understands God’s presence is with Him again.  Jesus’ cry now becomes a shout of victory…The sin debt is paid.The Lord takes one last breath and cries “It is finished!”

Conclusion:

The Psalm will now turns from tragedy to triumph.  What seemed to be a great defeat will soon and forever be seen as the greatest victory.Jesus endured the greatest trial anyone has ever suffered at the loving hands of the Father.  When everything was stripped away from Him, Jesus trusted in the plan and purpose of God . . . and in the end God’s will was accomplished, and Christ is now exalted.  God was magnified by the trusting Savior who died for our sin.