Psalm 22: Amazing Prophecies of Jesus Crucifixion

Psalm 22 is filled with prophecies about the future “Anointed One”, or Messiah; how He would suffer, be mocked, be pierced in His hands and feet, and suffer the torture of crucifixion.

Written over 1,000 years before Jesus of Nazareth was born, before the Roman empire began to engulf the known world, before the horrible act of crucifixion was devised, David wrote about a suffering Messiah who would sacrificially give His life for his people, and then later return to receive His glory.

Why is this so Amazing?  These Prophecies of Jesus were Written Over 1,000 Years BC

Psalm 22 was most likely written during the reign of David as king of Israel (1010 – 970 B.C.). Before the time of Jesus, the Psalm was often read as a desperate prayer to God in a time of trouble. Psalm 22 captures the pain and agony of extreme suffering, while also highlighting the glory of God. (FCFT). Notice that this psalm was written over 1,000 years before the birth of Jesus of Nazareth! Yet this Psalm in particular contains many verses that portray Jesus of Nazareth as He suffered and died for the salvation of mankind!

Psalm 22 predicted how the Messiah suffered the separation from God; how was mocked and scorned by onlookers; how His hands and feet were pierced, centuries before crucifixion was even a tortuous practice; and how they even cast lots for His cloak! These predictions were literally fulfilled when Jesus gave His life as a ransom for all of us, suffering and dying on a cross over 2,000 years ago.

The Fulfillment of these Prophecies were Beyond the Control of Jesus

There is not just one, not two, but over a dozen prophecies laid out in Psalm 22 about the coming Messiah. Some skeptics say that Jesus knew these prophecies, since He studies Torah, and merely played them out so that He would be recognized as the Christ. However, nearly ALL the fulfillment of these were beyond the control of Jesus, who had to endure this suffering. So the fulfillment of these prophecies could NO have been concocted or planned in advance.

Pointers Given by God to the One and Only True Savior

The other point to remember is that predicting a thing in advance, and then having that thing come true, is a characteristic of the Almighty God. Only God knows the future, as one of His attributes is “all knowing”. In fact, God makes this very plain in His Word, the Bible:

“Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning ,from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. (Isaiah 46: 9-10)

Psalm 22 Prophecies about Jesus and their Fulfillment

Jesus Words Spoken on the Cross About Being Forsaken

The first verse of Psalm 22 proclaims “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? ” On the cross, Jesus was taking on the sins of the world – all the world, past, present and future. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor 5:21)

Fulfillment: “and about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (Matt 27:46). God the Son, who for all eternity had been one with the Father, was separated from His Father on that cross. He that knew no sin became the sinful creature we all are.

He took on the sins of all of us, so that we could be made right with God. What great loved has he shown for us!

Jesus is Treated Inhumanely, and Mocked by Onlookers at the Cross

Prophecy: Psalm 22 verse 6 begins with  “but I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. all who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “he trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” 

Fulfillment: in all the synoptic gospels, Matthew 27:39-43, Mark 15:29-32, and Luke 23:35-36, it is recorded that Jesus was mocked and told to deliver himself from crucifixion because he claimed to be the son of God:

Matthew 27:39–43
39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! if you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

Mark 15:29–32
29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

Luke 23:35–36
35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine.

Points to note from the three Gospel accounts:

• The gospels record that Jesus was crucified outside the city, along with two other crucified on His left and right. This was a public area, probably near a rode the provided passage for carts and people walking to other areas. In the gospel accounts, people “wagged their heads”, saying He saved others, but he can’t save Himself. 
• Isn’t it ironic that Jesus stated earlier that “The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:18)
• The Romans, the chief priests, the scribes, thought they were wielding their power to nail Jesus to the cross.  But had no power except that which God allowed them to do. Jesus willingly laid down His life, so that He could save others. IF He had saved Himself, He could NOT have saved all of mankind! But as Jesus said on the cross. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) 
• In the three gospel accounts, it states that the chief priests, scribes, and the soldiers mocked Jesus. God have mercy on them, for the Bible also records the “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return” (Gal 6:7). What these mockers will reap is up to the Father. God have mercy on them.
• The gospels record that the people shouted “‘let Him come down from the cross, that we may see and believe”. But the people had plenty of opportunity to see and believe over the previous three years, as Jesus did many amazing works that no other so-called “holy man” had EVER done: fed the 5,000, healed people with leprosy. healed hundreds with all kinds of diseases, cast out evil spirits, gave sight to the blind, gave speech to the dumb, healed the deaf, and even raised the dead on several accounts. Jesus made it very clear that these signs were given to show and prove his divinity in John 10:38 “even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.’

Psalm 22 Speaks About Jesus Being with God from the Womb

Prophecy: Verse 9 speaks about how Jesus was the one and only incarnate Son of God: “yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb, you have been my God.  Verse 9 affirms that Jesus was perfectly obedient to God from birth. No one, not even his mother or brothers, was able to point out any sin in the life of Jesus.

Fulfillment: Jesus appeared in front of a large crowd that included his enemies and his family and stated, “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?” (John 8:46).

Jesus was Surrounded by Soldiers and Jewish Religious Leaders Who Mocked Him

Prophecy: The psalmist predicts that there would be no one to help the Messiah during his traumatic execution and that he would be surrounded by powerful enemies: In verses 11-12 it states: “be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.”  Psalm 22:7-8 states: “All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

Fulfillment: History and the New Testament gospels record that during his crucifixion Jesus was surrounded by powerful Roman soldiers and threatening Jewish religious leaders who prevented anyone from providing assistance or comfort to Jesus, other than the man who was briefly conscripted to carry Jesus’s cross. They opened their mouths, and mocked Him, the Lamb of God who opened not His moth. They divided his garments among them, and cast lots for his cloak. 

Matthew: 27-31: “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.”

Mark 15: 16-20: “Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him. And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him.”

Luke 10-11:  And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. V 34-38: “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS”

Points to note from the Gospel accounts:

• In all the accounts the soldiers were mocking Him, bowing their knees, and pretending to worship Him.  Isn’t it ironic that in the End Times, when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again to judge the earth and establish His Kingdom, that indeed “That at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,”. (Phil 2:10) 
• The Roman soldiers shouted “Hail, King of the Jews“.  Although they did it in mocking manner, they were indeed telling the truth!  Jesus was and is the Messiah, the everlasting Lord, not only King of the Jews, but King of the whole earth!. In fact, the placard they posted at the top of the cross announced that this was indeed The King of the Jews. 
• All three gospels report that the soldiers placed a scarlet or purple robe on Jesus, signifying of His royal status. They did it in a mocking manner, but the fact was that Jesus was and is royal – more than any earthly king could ever hop to be! 
• They placed a “crown of thorns” on his head, and probably pressed it into His scalp to ensure it stayed put (no doubt blood would have poured forth from this).  One day they will all see Jesus crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16)

Psalm 22 Foretells How the Roman Soldiers Would Divide His Garments and Cast Lots for His Cloak

Prophecy: In verse 17-18, Psalm 22 we read what the soldiers would do after they had stripped Jesus and nailed Him to the cross: “They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Fulfillment: we read in Luke 23: verse 34: “And they divided His garments and cast lots.” The Roman soldiers divided his clothes among themselves and cast lots for His cloak.  Why couldn’t they divide his cloak? The cloak was made of fine linen, and made in one piece. So there was no way to divide lest it come to ruin. Note that the high priests’ garment was also sewn in one piece, That is why the Old Testament says that the high priest should never tear his cloak (Lev 21:10). Jesus was wearing a linen cloak sewn in once piece. It was taken from Him, but not torn apart.  Instead, when He said “It is Finished”, the veil of the Temple was torn in two – signifying that Jesus was indeed the Messiah who had made a way for believers to enter the Holy of Holies, and commune with their Heaven Father. Jesus was and IS our High Priest for evermore! 

Psalm 22 Describes in Detail the Effects One Would Experience with Death by Crucifixion

Prophecy: In Psalm 22,verses 14–15, 19, the psalmist recounts what the suffering Messiah would experience while nailed to the cross: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. for dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me;”

Fulfillment: The psalmist envisions many of the specific physiological effects medical doctors of today would associate with death by crucifixion—asphyxiation and heart failure, along with extreme dehydration. 

• The Psalm declares “I am poured out like water.” This is an allusion to His utter lack of strength and extreme
  dehydration. Jesus is completely exhausted on the cross— He was beaten 39 times with a cat of nine tails, ripping His flesh; He was forced to carry the cross to Golgotha; He then was nailed to the cross, and left to hang there until dead. Jesus was like water that has been poured out and absorbed into the ground. 
• Psalm 22 then declares “all my bones are out of joint.” It highly possible that, when Jesus was nailed to the cross or when the cross was dropped into the hole in the ground with a jolt, His bones were dislocated from the force.  The hanging on a wooden cross for 6 hours, with the weight of the body sagging down, and the constant pushing your self up –  It may be hyperbole to say that “all my bones are out of joint,” but it is certainly not impossible.
• The Psalmist then writes “my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast.” As He was enduring and suffering the torture of crucifixion on the cross, the heart of Jesus was under extreme hardship.  Trying to pump blood and maintain what physical life was left, yet growing increasing weaker by the hour – His heart was “melting like wax”. But what is also true is that God’s wrath was being poured out upon Jesus, the One and Only Son of God, and thus the heart of Jesus was melting like wax as He took the punishment meant to mankind upon Himself.
• Psalm 22 foretells how the the suffering Servant notes “my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws.” The Lamb of God has had no water, and thus His strength is truly “dried u[“.  And the dehydration is so extreme that His “tongue sticks to my jaws”.
• The suffering Messiah is so beaten, bruised and dehydrated that He can “count all my bones“.  He is now literally flesh and bones, and He is giving His all for those He loves. 

Psalm 22 Declares that the LORD listened to the Suffering of the Afflicted One

Prophecy: Psalm 22 v 23-26:”You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!  For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever!”

Fulfillment:  The gospels record that Jesus died on that cross, was taken to a tomb, and the tomb was sealed for three days. And because the Lord Jesus was sinless, and had committed no sin, death could not hold Him (note the “wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”). Early on the third day, the stone that covered the tomb was rolled away, and Jesus walked out of that tomb, having given His life as the perfect and sufficient atonement for the sins of the whole world, past, present and future.  

• Jesus was the perfect “Lamb of God” that gave His life to atone for the the sins of mankind. He gave up His life freely on the cross, and took it up again thee days later just as He had said. 
• So that whosoever believes may not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16) – now, and in the world to come. 

Psalm 22 Declares the Whole Earth will Hear of these Events and Acknowledge Him

Like so many of David’s psalms, this one ultimately turns from deep sorrow and grief to ecstatic joy. Verses 27–31 declare that people from all over the world—even future generations—will hear about the events foreshadowed in

Psalm 22. Not only will they hear, but they will spread understanding of the meaning of these events to all people, and the response will be great:

Prophecy: V 27-30: “The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations. Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.”

Fulfillment: Today we see faithful followers of Jesus Christ in every nation and region of the world. Since Jesus’s death and resurrection, each successive generation has spread the gospel of our redemption to successively greater numbers of people and places, and with every succeeding generation more people have responded in faith. Ultimately, at the culmination of the Last Days, and following the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom once again upon the earth, indeed the “whole earth will acknowledge the Lord”

Jesus Gave His Life So that You Might Live – Do You Know Him?

So let me ask you. Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?   If you do, then you have everything to look forward to – in this life, and in  the life to come.  Peace with God, joy in your daily life, fulfillment of  God’s purpose while here on earth, and life eternal. 

You were made for a purpose, and your daily walk with  Jesus will help you come to realize His purpose in your life and fulfill it.  If you don’t have a relationship with your Creator, you can!  Give Jesus a  chance!  Don’t put it off.  Ask Him into your life and to wash you, cleanse you of all your sins, and make you “a new creation”!   You have nothing to loose everything to gain.  Here is a  link to Billy Graham’s web site that can show you how you can invite Jesus into  your life and be the creation He has always intended you to be …

>> Take Me to Steps to Peace With God ==>  http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp

Sources

First Century Faith Today: “How Psalm 22 Changed My Life“ https://firstcenturyfaithtoday.com/psalm-22-changed-my-life/

Reasons to Believe: “Psalm 22 – Jesus Crucifixion Predicted”: https://reasons.org/explore/blogs/todays-new-reason-to-believe/psalm-22-jesuss-crucifixion-predicted

Blue Letter Bible: https://www.blueletterbible.org/

Fort Howard Community Church – “The Crucifixion of Christ” – https://www.forthowardcc.com/the-psalms-book-1/post/psalm-2214-17–the-crucifixion-of-christ–part-1-