Crucifixion - Part: 2 (The Death of Jesus)

One of the most perplexing comments Jesus makes from the cross is found in Matthew 27:46. The idea that God is abandoning or forsaking Jesus is challenging. However, imagine viewing Jesus’ cry from the cross in a different light. Instead of Jesus looking up at the sky and crying out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” envision Him looking down at the crowd, gazing at Mary and His disciples, even glancing at His enemies who are crucifying Him, as He says to them, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” What they hear is a reference to a passage of Scripture.  

Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm in which David describes events he should not know about—things that did not happen in his time and would not occur for centuries. It becomes clear that he is writing about the future suffering of the Messiah. 

Jesus cries from the cross to remind the audience that the cross is necessary, the cross is fulfillment, and the cross proves that He truly is the Messiah and Savior of the world. He reminds His audience of Psalm 22 to encourage His followers and convict His enemies.

In this final devotion before the resurrection, we invite you to reflect on this Psalm and the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Take a moment to read the gospel verses that describe Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross, and then read the corresponding verses from Psalm 22, which portray the future suffering of the Messiah.

Matthew 27:45 → Psalm 22:2 
Matthew 27:39-44 → Psalm 22:6-8 
John 19:28-29 → Psalm 22:15 
John 19:31-34 → Psalm 22:14, 16-17
Matthew 27:35 → Psalm 22:18
Luke 23:46 → Psalm 22:19-21

This is not the end of the story. Jesus was not defeated by death, and Psalm 22 prophetically depicts the victory we will celebrate on Easter, as well as the response we are to have as His followers.  

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the suffering of Your Son, Jesus, we are reminded of His profound cry, fulfilling the words of Psalm 22. Help us to see the depth of His sacrifice, not just as a moment of despair, but as a fulfillment of Your faithful promise. As we await the joy of the resurrection, may we proclaim the true hope found in Christ, the true Messiah and Savior. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.