Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Why did Jesus say on the cross; “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Part Two of Two)

A:  Last week we discussed the fact that Jesus’ words match the opening words of Psalm 22. This Psalm is a lament for those who feel abandoned and forsaken; reassuring them of God’s rescuing power. But the connection between Jesus and Psalm 22 goes much deeper than just common experience. In fact, the full truth about this Psalm defies our wildest expectations!

       When we compare Psalm 22 with the life of its author (David, according to the opening remarks), we have a hard time matching the details in it to any specific event in David’s life. The use of metaphor and imagery explains some of the statements (it was common to refer to one’s enemies as wild animals for example, see verses 12-13). But overall, the psalm seems to describe a set of circumstances and an extent of danger that David never really experienced. What event of David’s life could be described as being “poured out like water” (v. 14) and perishing of thirst (v. 15)? What kind of metaphor is pierced hands and feet (v. 16 b)? When was David at such desperate straits as to have his enemies gamble over his clothing (v. 18)? We can attempt to match some of these details to different events in David’s life. As a whole, though, it just doesn’t make sense. But when we compare these details to the crucifixion, the truth becomes awesomely clear.

       Psalm 22 is a perfect, detailed, and complete description of Jesus’ crucifixion, written 1,000 years before it happened. The statements about being surrounded and mocked by enemies were fulfilled by the Pharisees and Romans, who even used almost identical words to insult Him (compare Psalm 22:6-7 with Matthew 27:39-43). His hands and feet were literally pierced by nails (v. 16 b with John 20:24-27) and soldiers literally gambled over his clothing (v. 18 with John 19:23-24). Doctors who are familiar with crucifixion have examined Psalm 22:14-15 and say that it is a perfect description of what it would have felt like to be crucified while deprived of food and water. Somehow (perhaps by a dream) God granted David an experience of the agony Christ would suffer on our behalf, which David recorded in the Psalm at least 400 years before crucifixion was invented as a form of punishment and 1,000 years before Christ experienced it.

       This is one of the most striking examples of supernatural foreknowledge in Scripture. Only God could have made such a prediction, and only God could have brought about the fulfillment. If this is correct, then Jesus may not have been quoting David on the cross. It could have been David who was quoting Jesus’ words 1,000 years before Jesus would say them!

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