How does Psalm 22:1 connect to Jesus' words in Mark 15:34? The Shared Cry: Identical Words, Identical Pain • Psalm 22:1: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning?” • Mark 15:34: “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? … ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” Both verses voice the same anguished plea, linking David’s experience with Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Psalm 22 in David’s Day • Written by David amid intense personal distress. • Expresses genuine feelings of abandonment yet ends in confident praise (Psalm 22:22–31). • Serves as both lament and declaration of trust in God’s deliverance. Prophetic Echoes Pointing to the Crucifixion David’s words anticipate specific events at Calvary: • Psalm 22:6–8 → Mark 15:29–32 – mocking by passers-by. • Psalm 22:14–15 → John 19:28 – physical dehydration and exhaustion. • Psalm 22:16 → John 20:25 – “They pierce my hands and feet.” • Psalm 22:18 → John 19:23–24 – soldiers casting lots for His garment. The Psalm is more than poetry; it is a Spirit-inspired preview of Messiah’s suffering. Jesus’ Purpose in Quoting Psalm 22 • Public Identification: He signals that Psalm 22 is being fulfilled in real time. • Scriptural Validation: Listeners versed in Scripture could trace the unfolding prophecy. • Genuine Suffering: Bearing the world’s sin, He experiences real separation from the Father (Isaiah 53:4–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21). • Ultimate Triumph: Psalm 22 moves from forsakenness to victory; Jesus’ cry hints at the resurrection glory to follow (Psalm 22:24, 31; Mark 16:6). Theological Significance • Substitution: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). • Atonement: The forsakenness we deserved fell on Him, satisfying divine justice (Romans 3:25–26). • Assurance: Because He was abandoned, believers are promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). • Identification: He understands every depth of human anguish (Hebrews 2:17–18). For Our Walk Today • When feelings shout “forsaken,” faith answers with the certainty that God hears and delivers (Psalm 22:24). • The cross proves God’s steadfast love; the empty tomb secures our hope (1 Peter 1:3). • Psalm 22 encourages honest lament while anchoring us in unshakable trust: “The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him will praise the LORD” (Psalm 22:26). Psalm 22:1 and Mark 15:34 stand together as cry and fulfillment, unveiling the depth of Christ’s suffering and the breadth of His saving work for all who believe. |
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