Psalm of the Cross

Today is a beautiful psalm and I can’t wait for us to study it together. Open your Bibles and read Psalm 22. “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” Psalm 22:27 (ESV).

A Love Story Written in Pain

Have you ever felt abandoned, like no one understood your struggle? Psalm 22 captures that feeling in raw, emotional words. When David wrote this psalm, he was going through deep distress. But his words were not just about his own suffering—they were a prophecy about Jesus on the cross. When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46), He wasn’t expressing doubt. He was pointing to this psalm, knowing that the people around Him—especially the Jewish men who studied Scripture—would recognize it instantly, just like we recognize a song from hearing just one line. He wasn’t just saying words of pain; He was telling them exactly what was happening.

A Plan Set in Motion

Jesus knew His purpose. He wasn’t forsaken by the Father—He willingly took our place. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) On the cross, Jesus fulfilled countless prophecies. Psalm 22 describes details that would happen hundreds of years later:

• “They pierced my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16)
• “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” (Psalm 22:18)

He knew the people would understand after His crucifixion. They would realize that He was the Messiah—the One they had been waiting for.

Protected Even in Death

Even in His suffering, Jesus fulfilled the prophecies spoken over Him long before He was born. Psalm 34:20 says, “He protects all His bones; not one of them will be broken.” In the Old Testament, God commanded that the Passover lamb must not have any broken bones (Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12). Jesus was the true Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us, and just as prophesied, none of His bones were broken—even though Roman custom was to break the legs of those crucified. Psalm 22 isn’t just about history; it’s about hope. When you feel alone, abandoned, or weighed down by life’s struggles, remember that Jesus understands. He entered into the deepest suffering, not because He had to, but because He chose to—for you.

You are not forsaken. You are deeply loved. And Jesus, in His perfect sacrifice, has already proven that nothing will ever separate you from God’s love.

Let’s discuss what we just read. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!

1. As you reflect on Psalm 22 and Jesus’ crucifixion, what connections stand out to you, and how do they deepen your understanding of His sacrifice?
2. How does the prophecy in this psalm reveal aspects of God’s nature and His plan for redemption?
3. Why do you think Jesus chose to quote this psalm on the cross, and what impact might His words have had on those who heard them?
4. Verse 26 speaks of those who seek the Lord being satisfied. How does this verse encourage you in your faith journey?
5. This psalm moves from deep sorrow to triumphant hope—how does this transformation shape the way we remember and respond to Jesus’ sacrifice?

I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow, we’ll learn about Psalm 23- The Lord is My Shepherd. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.