How does Psalm 22:13 connect to the New Testament accounts of Jesus' crucifixion? The Verse Before Us “They open their mouths against Me like lions, roaring and tearing.” (Psalm 22:13) The Picture Painted in Psalm 22:13 • “Open their mouths” – an image of enemies surrounding the psalmist, jaws wide, eager to devour. • “Like lions” – a picture of brutal strength, intimidation, and deadly intent. • “Roaring and tearing” – not mere annoyance, but savage violence aimed at destroying the sufferer. Echoes at Golgotha The Gospels show these very actions turned against Jesus: • Verbal mauling – Mockery and taunts ring out (Matthew 27:39-44; Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-37). • Physical tearing – The scourging, the crown of thorns, and nails (John 19:1-3, 18). • Surrounding hostility – Soldiers, chief priests, passers-by, and even the criminals on adjacent crosses join the attack (Matthew 27:41-44). Side-by-Side Glimpses Psalm 22 " Crucifixion Accounts ——————————————————"———————————————————————— “Open their mouths against Me…” " “Those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads” (Matthew 27:39). “Like lions…” " “The chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him” (Matthew 27:41). “Roaring and tearing” " “They kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify Him!’” (Luke 23:21). Layers of Fulfillment • Prophetic Precision – David’s psalm, written a millennium earlier, lines up detail-for-detail with the Passion narrative. • Intensified Hostility – Lions normally hunt quietly, but these spiritual “lions” roar in triumph, reflecting the demonic fury hinted at in Luke 22:53 (“This is your hour—when darkness reigns”). • Innocent Victim – Lions usually target the weak; here they maul the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29). Why the “Roaring Lion” Matters • Highlights the depth of Christ’s suffering—He endured not only physical pain, but relentless verbal and spiritual assault. • Underscores divine foreknowledge—God revealed the scene in advance, confirming Scripture’s reliability. • Reminds believers that Jesus faced—and defeated—the same “roaring lion” imagery used of Satan (1 Peter 5:8). Takeaways for Today • When ridicule or hostility comes, remember the Savior endured it first (Hebrews 12:3). • Scripture’s unity assures us God’s plan never falters; what He promises, He performs (Numbers 23:19). • The cross turns the roar of enemies into the shout of victory—“It is finished!” (John 19:30). |
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