Paul speaks of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). David, in Psalm 22, gives us snapshots of the sense of rejection our Lord experienced as he hung upon the tree.
We hear the cry of our Savior, seemingly disturbed by the silence. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent” (Psalm 22:1-2). Yet, he still calls him “My God” (Matthew 27:46). Jesus knew God had answered his people (Psalm 22:3-5). The Lord had leaned upon the Father since infancy (Psalm 22:9-11). Why did he not hear him now? Isaiah looked down through the centuries and saw it was because of me (Isaiah 53:4-6)!
David depicts the suffering of the Savior. Scorn and ridicule were endured by him (Psalm 22:6-8). That is an unmistakable preview of the words they would hurl at him as he hung on the cross (Matthew 27:39-44). Through inspiration, David also foresees his crucifixion and the parting of his garments (Psalm 22:16, 18; Matthew 27:35a; John 19:23-24).
Israel’s sweet singer helps us realize the complete trust the Son had in his Father. He praised his Father throughout his lifetime. He urged others to do likewise, declaring, “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard” (Psalm 22:22-24). No wonder the inspired penman could say he was heard and Peter could proclaim that God raised him up (Hebrews 5:7; Acts 2:32). David sees Jesus vowing to give thank offerings to the Father for his rescue. He anticipates sharing a joyous meal with others (Psalm 22:25-26).
The Gentiles, or “nations,” will worship God. Jesus will have children who serve the Father and declare his righteousness (Psalm 22:27-31). People will come to this point by seeing the actions of the Lord and following them in their own lives. “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9). Jesus learned the cost of obedience by humbly placing himself under the Father. Others can receive eternal life when they humbly place themselves under the Son.
Praise God for the gift! Praise God for the way of eternal life it opens to all who will follow the suffering Savior!
Gary C. Hampton