I was caught by words of a young preacher that used as an example, our knowledge of modern music.
He felt, and tested with his panel, saying one or two words from popular songs which caused the whole panel to quote the lyrics that follows.
His reference was to what Jesus said on the cross in Mathew 27:
“About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).”
(Matthew 27:46 NIV)
He holds the opinion that His cry was in the form of a quote, saying in one sentence, _(in only four words!), a multitude of thoughts and statements… knowing that every Jew present would know the words that followed by heart. It was part of their training, and part of their culture.
About one hundred and eighty times in the New Testament did Jesus either directly quote the Old Testament texts or refer to a story or historical event from the OT…
… and as He was hanging on the cross Psalm 22 would be a shocking revelation to those standing around Him as the Psalm of David contains over 30 prophesies about the crucifixion that is coming true in front of their eyes… (“they have pierced my hands and feet”, “they toss dice for my garments”, “spitting insults, saying ‘is this the one who trusted in God?’ “)
When Jesus dies on the cross, He dies with the final words of Psalm 22 on His lips “it is finished” (John 19:30)
What gives even more credence to the events is Mark 15:39 – the Roman Centurion keeping watch when Jesus died, was paying attention to the crowd. The criminals on the cross was not going anywhere, the crowds were his potential problem.
When Jesus breathed his last, from his observation on the change in the crowd (my own opinion here!) is why he made the statement:
“When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
(Mark 15:39, BSB)
I really doubt that Jesus died on the cross with “grace” (we know He didn’t) so only the change in the mood and attitude of the crowd could prompt him to make this statement as he wouldn’t have any other understanding of the passages Jesus was referring to…
Again, there is no biblical reference but I do believe that at this point quite a few Jews proclaimed in realisation “זבל כבשים” (“oh, sheep manure!”)
But… I digress…
There is actually so much more that was being said by Jesus. NOT CONDEMNATION for what was happening but JOYFUL PROCLAMATION of what was to come… because Psalm 22 proclaims victory! “They will all come and worship the worthy King!” v29
“From the four corners of the earth,
The peoples of the world [not just the Jews] will remember and return to the Lord” v27
And off course, Psalm 22 is only the first of three parts, Psalm 23 (The Good Shepherd) and Psalm 24 (The Glorious King)
“God claims the world as His,
Everything and everyone belongs to Him!”
(Psalm 24:1)
So… when Jesus cries out on the cross, why have you forsaken me… there is no condemnation… it’s a proclamation of full and complete victory!
Blows my mind! Can my God be more worthy of praise?!
“You ask, “Who is this King of Glory?” He is Yahweh, armed and ready for battle, the Mighty One, the invincible commander of heaven’s hosts! Yes, he is the King of Glory!”
(Psalms 24:10 TPT)
