That He Has Done It

"Then He said, 'When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.'" -Luke 24:44

I put in bold that little piece of information, because it is very overlooked by most people. There are many Psalms that are considered "Messianic" or, psalms that prophesied of Jesus Christ. Many people assume you either find Jesus in the books of the prophets, or just in the New Testament, but there is proof otherwise! Today we'll look at Psalm 22, which was quoted by Jesus on the cross (twice!), and I'll list examples of prophecies fulfilled throughout it. This is one of many chapters that proves Jesus has been around since the beginning, and there really isn’t a B.C (see John 1). There are many more things to note in every line of this prophetic psalm, and I will merely skim the surface. If you desire to research this further, I used Moody Commentary, Enduring Word, and John Gill’s Exposition for this post. Please note that I didn't include much of my own writing. I tried to connect Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment, without much of my own opinions. It’s vital that we look at Scripture not through our own eyes but God’s, and there we are able to grasp the key themes of God’s Word, because our perspective tends to be very small and small-minded. Anyways, have fun, and remember to seek Jesus and not self. I think the Messianic Psalms are amazing at teaching us how to do that.

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?" - v. 1

The italicized portion of this verse was directly quoted by Jesus in Matthew 27:46.

"But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all!" - v. 6

See just one example of Jesus being rejected by the people (Matt 8:34).

"...My heart is like wax, melting within me." - v. 14

Though this is speculation and I'd urge you to further study this before taking this a fact, many theologians over the years, including Charles Spurgeon, have suspected that Jesus had some sort of heart rupture. Even if He didn't, it's possible that whenever soldiers pierced His side, they also pierced into His heart (John 19:34).

"...My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth..."- v. 15

Jesus experienced great thirst at death (John 19:28), and He was given sour wine. This was also prophesied of in Psalm 69, which I would highly recommend reading as well!

"My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet." - v. 16

Haters and mockers encircled Jesus at His time of death, and even made suffering worse for Him (Matt 27:39-44).

"I can count all my bones."- v. 17

Jesus was a perfect sacrifice for our sin, and part of that means no bones could be broken. So even though it was routine for a soldier to come and break the prisoner's legs to make certain they were dead, the soldier pierced Jesus in the side instead, which I mentioned a little above.

"They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing."- v. 18

Soldiers gambled for Jesus's clothing. Matthew 27:35 quoted this verse and said this prophecy was fulfilled.

"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters."- v. 22

Jesus prayed a prayer very similar to this as mentioned in John 17:26, shortly before He was arrested.

"[The LORD] has not turned His back on them, but has listened to their cries for help." - v. 24

Wow! I love how this was put here. Though Jesus had cried out,"...why have you forsaken me?" this verse seems like a gentle reminder that all along the Father was in fact listening.

"They shall come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, that He has done it." - v. 31

Jesus proclaimed,"it is finished" in John 19:30. Since our sin has been "payed in full" (telestai/τετέλεσται) through Jesus's death on the cross and His victory over it, we can boldly proclaim that He has, in fact, done it.