We will return to John 19 on March 30th, but as a preface for the next two weeks, we will be in Psalm 22, which prophesied many of the events in John 19 thousands of years before they happened. Both Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 were disputed by atheists and Jewish scholars, who said that these prophesies were made after the crucifixion and falsely dated to look centuries old. But then the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, dated long before the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Click below to download the sermon. I am going to print out the transcript on the appropriate days.
One of the reasons we do “God Hunts,” or remembering the goodness of the Lord, is to help our prayer time be heavier on praise and to have fuel to speak to our souls in hard times. This last week, when I was going to my granddaughter’s wedding, there was so much joy! Never in all my life will I forget my son standing up and singing the beginning of The Blessing to the couple after their vows, surprising them. Then, one by one, the whole family joined in. The couple and all the congregation could not hold back their tears.
There also seemed to be constant trouble (though infinitesimal compared to what Jesus endured). Yet when I look back, I see God continually coming to the rescue. The VRBO my son had rented for 22 people was canceled a week before the wedding, yet he found another almost as lovely. The venue fell through, but the one they found, this charming little chapel and mansion at a Military base, was perfect.
On the way home, I lost my wallet, which had everything needed to steal my identity, but a God-fearing person turned it into the Lost and Found at the Norfolk airport. The policeman on the phone told me I was lucky, and I said, “God answered my fervent prayer.” My son retrieved it the next day and has mailed it back to me. We need to remember things like this and speak them to our soul. Jesus told us we would have troubles on this earth but that He would overcome them all. That might not be before the New Heaven and the New Earth, but He who has kept every promise will also keep that one.
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Psalm 22:1-5.
- What lament does Jesus make?
- What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
- Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
- How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-53?
3. Read Psalm 22:6-11
- What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
- How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
- Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
Tuesday: The Text (Part B)
Linda Strom tells me the day of Karla Faye Tucker’s execution reminded her of the scene described by Jesus. People turned into animals, thirsty for blood, cheering and screaming. It felt like the devil had been let loose. And indeed, the devil had been let loose the day of Christ’s crucifixion, but God only gave him another rope to hang himself.
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21?
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now?
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
Wednesday: The Text (Part C)
This next passage celebrates what God has done in raising Christ and how it will affect all peoples to the end of the earth. This glorious news would be declared in the assembly and spread to the ends of the earth.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-32
- What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
- “Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
- What will be the result according to verses 27-31?
- What are the final four words of this Psalm?
Thursday Part I. of Keller’s Sermon: What Is The Mystery of This Psalm? Part A.
Listen while you simultaneously read the text. I urge this for he is so anointed as he preaches. Don’t just read.
At the most climactic moment in Jesus’ life, he cried out the first words of this psalm. You must remember that (though I always forget) in those days they didn’t have chapter numbers; they didn’t have verses and numbers. They didn’t even have titles for the books. The way you referred to a book or a chapter was you quoted the first words of it. So when Jesus cried out Psalm 22 on the cross, that first verse, he was saying, “This psalm is what I’m all about; this psalm reveals what I’m here to do, what I’m doing right now.” If it’s true that this is the most important quote Jesus ever made, that this reveals the essence of who Jesus is, and secondly, if Jesus is the most important single human figure in the history of the world, then thirdly, anyone who wants to live in this world, understanding what’s going on in it, needs to understand this psalm.
The way to do that is to ask these three questions:
- What is the mystery of this psalm?
- What is the solution to the mystery?
- What does it mean practically for us?
Let’s look at the mystery of the psalm. Now the first thing is I want you to see is how incredibly mysterious this psalm is, as it reads. It’s an enormously mysterious, difficult writing. This is David’s psalm. This is a psalm of King David (Psalm 22). I want you to notice a couple of things that are just about inexplicable about it. First, there’s the inexplicable juridical nature of David’s treatment. What’s happening to him? Hmm? Class? What’s happening to him? In verses 6–8, we see he is out in public, where people are jeering at him. In verse 17, they’re gloating and they’re scorning him. Secondly, he’s dying of thirst (verse 15) so that the tongue has swollen up and has begun to choke him. He is so emaciated (verse 17) that you can see his bones … every one of them. In verse 16, he has been pierced in his hands and his feet, either by a sword or by a shaft or by a spear. What is happening to him? This is an execution. This is a public execution. The clincher to that interpretation is verse 18, where it says, “They cast lots for my garments.” You see, when a criminal was executed, the executioners got the clothes. Now the reason this is an incredible mystery is, where in the world was King David ever up being executed? Where did he have a public trial? Where was he executed? We know more about David’s life than any other figure of ancient history/antiquity, and there’s nothing about this there. In fact, how could there be? How could the greatest king of Israel have ever come into this situation? In fact, we have to be careful not to be anachronistic and read what we do today back into those days. If you overthrew a king, you didn’t have a public trial; you didn’t do the Saddam Hussein thing. You didn’t bring him for a public trial and have a jury and a judge and all that sort of thing. You just had a coup; you killed him. Then you sat on the throne yourself. In other words, not only did this never happen to David, but it couldn’t have happened to David.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Friday: What is the Mystery of This Psalm? Part B.
That’s not all. Not only do we have the inexplicably juridical nature of his treatment, but we have the inexplicable submissiveness of David to this treatment. If you read the book of Psalms, one thing you know is that David never took injustice lying down. Never. He’s always crying out for justice. He’s always crying out that God would smash the perpetrators’ teeth. He’s always saying things that are kind of harsh to our modern ears. None of that is here. Even though this is the most extreme situation we see anywhere in any of the Psalms, the most extreme situation and the most extreme injustice, and there is not a word crying out for God to smash the perpetrators. So we see the inexplicable juridical nature of his treatment, the inexplicable submissiveness of David to the treatment, and, of course, lastly, the inexplicable absence of God. Because verses 4 and 5 historically say, “If you cry in faith to God, God will hear you.” But God is treating David as if he was faithless. God, in verse 1, is not hearing him. He is treating him as if he’s somebody he’s not. But the most inexplicable of all the parts of this psalm is the ending. See, in verses 20 and 21, David is saying, “Deliver me from death.” “Deliver my life from the sword. Rescue me …” Then in verse 22, he’s talking as if this deliverance is going to happen or it has happened. “I will declare your name … For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he … has listened to his cry for help.” In other words, verse 22 and following, we see that David says, “I will be delivered from death,” or “I have been delivered from death.” But look at the results. In verse 27 he says, “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him.” What? David says, “I was about to be executed, but God delivered me from death, and because of that, all the nations of the earth will get converted.” The poor nations (verse 26) and the rich nations (verse 29). What he’s saying is, “As a result of my deliverance, instead of one little racial ethnic group worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all the nations of the earth will be doing that.” He has the audacity to go further and to say that it’s not just that this deliverance is going to lead to mass conversion of the peoples of the earth to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but also that endless generations will remember this deliverance. In verses 30 and 31 it says, “Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord … for he has done it.” How could David possibly imagine that his deliverance from death (no matter how heroic, no matter how dramatic) could possibly lead to the conversion of all the nations of the earth? Do you see that this psalm, on the face of it, as it is read, is an absolute enigma, is unbelievably mysterious? How in the world the original hearers would have read it, I have no idea.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Saturday:
9. What’s your take-a-way and why?
141 comments
God Hunt
God is so good, always faithful to His Word and us! I had His peace all week leading up to my son’s surgery, an answer to prayer. I, and others, were praying for a successful surgery and the Lord’s best outcome. The surgery went very well, no cancer, and my son’s recovery has already begun beautifully. Praise the Lord!
Praising God with you, Cheryl Ann!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful news and may God be glorified!
Such good news, Cheryl!
Cheryl, What a blessing from our good good Father!
Thank you, Lord! You are an awesome God!
Praise God!
praise the Lord. So happy for you.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
God is so good and so faithful. My 3 year old dog has been having seizures for about 20 months. They started when we lost our oldest dog, who was her closest buddy; then I lost my husband 8 weeks later. That increased her stress. It has been a constant worry for all these months, in addition to moving and all the other changes in our lives. About 3 weeks ago, I learned about some plug ins that disperse fragrance free pheromones into the air that can help calm pets. I purchased two of these and they have helped Piper so much. She has been seizure free for over two weeks. This may sound like a small thing, but it has been a huge and wonderful answer to prayer. I have also had numerous answers to prayer daily, in my new neighborhood. Thanking God.
Oh Patti, not a small thing at all! We had a Boxer who had seizures and it’s so hard to watch them go through. I have never heard of these plug-ins…I need to look into them for my dog as she freaks out durning thunder storms! So glad they are helping with Piper and a wonderful answer to prayer!
😊❤️
It is called TheraPetMD~calming diffuser. (There are also “thunder shirts” by several companies.) I don’t mean to do advertising on the blog, but this is a life saver. 🥰🙏Hope it helps your pup, dear Sharon.
Thanks Patti😊. I’ll look into the thunder shirt.
That is huge. I’d never heard of those either!
🙏🙏
Oh Patti, What a delightful answer to prayer!
Oh Patti. That is such great news all around. I’m so happy your pup is doing well, and you have seen the hand of God all over your life.
It’s so not a small thing when it comes to our beloved dogs! It’s funny that I just saw that diffuser advertised today on social media! I’m so thankful it worked for your precious doggie. God made them with so many emotions, and she has been exhibiting them. You have been through so much all at one time. Your life has been completely changed in moments. I’m so thankful also that you’re finding joy in your new neighborhood. I love to hear how God is caring so tenderly for you.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? I was given an extra day off of work this past week which allowed me to be available when my son and his wife had an unexpected need for childcare. I got to spend an unpreplanned and fun day with my 3 year old, 2 year old and 7 month old granddaughters.
What a blessing to spend time with your sweet grandaughter’s, Dawn!
Dawn, What a delight! How sweet for you and such a blessing to your kids. Those little ones bring much joy. Our little 2 and 3 year old great grandsons make us laugh a lot.
Such a sweet and unexpected blessing from His hand of love.
Love this.
Oh, Dawn, what beautiful memories you are making with your dear grandchildren.
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
In reading through the Bible with my husband it has been a joy to discuss and talk about what we have read. Our main take away in reading through Leviticus and Deuteronomy is how thankful we are for what Jesus did for us on the cross!
Sharon, it’s wonderful that you and your husband are both studying and discussing the bible together. It brings such a deeper bond.
Oh praise God! What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sent His own Son…..to redeem them that were under the law. Free from the law! Oh happy condition. Jesus has bled, and there is redemption!
Dear Sharon, What a blessings for you and your husband to read and talk about the Bible together. Yes, the greatest gift ever, given to us by Jesus. It is so humbling!
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
—Dee What a blessing to hear about your granddaughter’s wedding and the praise to God for his goodness to your family. And also the praise to God for his grace to provide in the face of troubles associated with the wedding. So grateful we serve a loving, faithful, sovereign God and Father.
This past week my husband and son were back up to Nebraska for 3 days. We are staying out in the country 5 miles from the nearest town. I don’t really like being alone overnight and never have. It’s been very rare that it happens and never for multiple nights. I could have flown with the guys to Nebraska but I didn’t feel up to what is a whirlwind trip and busy time. As I prepared in my mind for the time alone I truly felt God wanted me to trust his care for me and my peace of heart and mind to Him. I sensed it was to be was a faith stretching time for me. I started with an extended time meditating on His Word and writing out my prayers. Here I have to give Him great praise for giving me a settled heart and his encouragement to me in my time alone. I also was able to have a special time of interacting about spiritual things with my oldest granddaughter which brought great encouragement to my heart. Oh the goodness of God!💕
What a sweet time with God Bev. Love it.
God is blessing your intentional time with Him, Bev.
I love that you took advantage of and relished that alone time with Him. I also long for those alone times, which are few and far between.
I love how God let you know He was there with you and you were not alone. What a blessed way to spend that time, Bev.
So good, Bev!
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? – This week I had a very troubling call with my older son Kyle. A situation came up with his son getting expelled from school and I think that was the last straw for Kyle. He called very upset, yelling and wanting to just give up and crying thinking he was having a heart attack as he is so overwhelmed with life right now. This called worried me a lot, but where I saw God in all of this, is he texted my younger son (this rarely happens) and Justin told him to not give up, that it would be ok, and that Logan (Kyle’s son) needs a parent that can help him through this time. That text conversation between my two boys touched my heart to the core. Thank you, Lord, for connecting these brothers to help each other.
Oh Julie, your God Hunt warmed my heart…so wonderful for a Mom to see❤️
How precious for a mom to see her wins helping each other in the hard of life. I know it did your heart good!
Julie, I can see God’s loving hand in all of that situation, in how Kyle reached out for help, first by calling you, than texting his brother. That phone call alerted you to the situation so you could pray, and then Justin was able to encourage Kyle with wise advice. Dear Lord, Thank you for your great love for us. Please continue working in Kyle’s heart and guide him in helping Logan. I pray that Julie would have complete peace, knowing that You are working in all their lives, In Jesus name, amen
I am in agreement with Cheryl Ann here. Thank You Lord for making the connections play out exactly as You intended! Lord Jesus, continue to work in Logan’s life, so he may know the truth of You.
Oh, Julie! This so such a beautiful story of God handling the situation in a way to draw your sons closer. Our God is so amazing. So heartwarming. May the Lord be with dear Logan.
Such a sweet wedding story of your granddaughter and how God was even in the details of the family VRBO and venue mishap and turned it all for good. What a lovely picture of the new bride and groom! And having someone turn in that wallet! So rare these days! But God heard your cry and it was nothing for Him.
I still cannot believe that you were in my neighborhood, Dee, for that wedding. Does someone live here, or was it just a chosen wedding site? I just can’t believe that dear Dee was walking and talking in my neck of the woods! I would love to meet you in person one day but I know so well that it was a whirlwind trip and so very busy! I wish we could have a meetup for all of us together in this blog. Hope we don’t have to wait until Heaven for that sure meetup! 😄
I love the idea of meeting all of you one day. That would be so sweet.
Oh, it would be so wonderful to all meet one day! Heaven will be so joyous, but sooner than heaven would be so great! 🙂
A meet-up here on earth would be lovely! I love this blog so much!
I am sorry I missed meeting you, Missy. The bride has a brother who has anxiety issues and works in Va Beach. He missed one sister’s wedding due to anxiety so Jessa decided to have the wedding there. He came, loved it, and was so blessed.
We did that once and it was wonderful. Dee was speaking in Ohio and a bunch of us got a bed and breakfast and all met up. What a sweet time it was. And we got to hear Dee speak and have a meal together.
That trip is what bonded me to some of you ladies 🙂
Miriam, I have thought of the time in Heaven when we will at some point be able to come together and have sweet fellowship in person remembering how under Dee’s leadership we interacted and were so blessed and encouraged in the Lord and through his Word. Great joy ahead for all of us. A meeting yet here on earth would be so sweet.
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week? We have been hosting a small group on Thursdays and had our last meeting this week for the season. We enjoyed sweet fellowship with those who could make it. Also, we hosted a birthday party for my daughter’s boys (4&1), and it was fun to see the joy in their hearts. Her husband’s family is very broken spiritually and I pray that we blessed them by providing a neutral place to meet. I, too, loved your whole wedding story, Dee. Our pastor shared Sunday, how no meeting we have is random, and how he prayed for a stranger on the elevator at the hospital. Even the detours we find ourselves on are part of His plan, so we should be looking for Him and his purposes in everything. Relationships are far more important to the Lord than the earthly details we concern ourselves with.
Chris, sounds like a very sweet time with your family and I’m sure all were blessed.
Chris, wise words from your pastor and a reminder for me, too. Nothing happens by coincidence.
Oh, Chris. This is so sweet. What a blessing for your son in law’s family to be in with all of you. I love this so much: Relationships are far more important to the Lord than the earthly details we concern ourselves with. So true!
So true about God’s sovereignty in who He brings across our path.
Love this post, Chris. What a blessing you are.
Thank you, Chris. This is very instructive to my heart.
Monday: The Text (Part A)
Dee, I am assuming you do not mean Isaiah 22, but Psalm 22, and will answer accordingly.
2. Read Isaiah 22:1-5.
What lament does Jesus make? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1? Bibe Hub words it: far from listening to the words that escape me only in groans-Christ is man in the moment and surely feels the natural unwillingness to go through this-isn’t this what we have appreciated in our own suffering? That Christ knows how we feel? Truly, his greatest suffering is the Father’s absence. We sing, “and the Father turned his face away.”
Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-53? He remembers God is holy and our father’s trusted and were delivered.
3. Read Isaiah 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8? how he is mocked
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10? he remembers, God is in control and is trustworthy
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11? Be not far from me!
Chris — thanks for that catch!!! I corrected it.
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Psalms 22:1-5.
A. What lament does Jesus make?
That God isn’t hearing Him.
B. What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
Thinking God has abandoned Him.
C. Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
When our daughter was 3 months old I had a grand mall seizure and when I came out of it, I was surrounded by EMS people and my first question was, “is Erin ok?” My mind went back to when we lost our son to SIDS and I thought it had happened again.
Jesus being disoriented had no idea what was going on and where God was in this moment.
D. How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-5?
He knows God is holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel. He knows His ancestors trusted God, He rescued them, saved them when they cried out and were never disgraced.
3. Read Psalms 22:6-11
A. What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
He is being scorned, despised, mocked and sneered at.
B. How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
God has been His God from birth.
C. Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
Don’t stay so far from Me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help Me.
Oh, Sharon! That (being disoriented) must have been so frightening. So thankful all was well.
Thank you Patti…it was the first of many but I have been put on new medication that have controlled them for the last 4 years. Praise God!
Amen! Praise God!
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Isaiah 22:1-5.
A. What lament does Jesus make?
My God, my God, Why have you forsaken me, and why are you so far away from me and my cries?
B. What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
Being forsaken, abandoned, by God.
C. Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
Just last week the fire alarms went off here at the resort very early one morning, still pitch dark. What’s that noise? Am I dreaming? Where are we again?
From Wesley’s notes 22:1 My God – Who art my friend and father, though now thou frownest upon me. The repetition denotes, the depth of his distress, which made him cry so earnestly. Forsaken – Withdrawn the light of thy countenance, the supports and comforts of thy spirit, and filled me with the terrors of thy wrath
Jesus is speaking out of His physical distress/pain. We know from John 18:11 that Jesus was willing to “drink the cup” of wrath, but the excruciating pain caused the questions to be voiced. Notice He did NOT say, help me and stop the pain.
D. How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-53?
By remembering the holiness of God (perfect, righteous) and His faithfulness in the past to those who trusted Him.
3. Read Isaiah 22:6-11
A. What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
I am despised by all; they laugh at me and mock me.
B. How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
That God gave him life and a hope, God has been with him from birth.
C. Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
Be close to me, for trouble is near, and there is no one else to help.
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Dearest Dee! Oh, I love all the amazing God sightings in your week! You had so many things happen that could have ended “not so well” and God stepped in each time with a lovely miracle! I wrote my answer for this question yesterday, but I am so excited for all of the incredible answers to difficult moments! Praise our Father! I am seeing the Glory of God in all of this. What seemed like a huge problem, God was able to be glorified by all! You experiences are definitely a huge God sighting for all of us! I have been thinking of them, since I read this yesterday! All Glory to God!
Thanks, dear Patti.
Sunday
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Where do I start? The family I asked for prayer almost 3 weeks ago just received news from their lawyer that the prosecutor has agreed for the father to be back home with his family asap in a day or two! The mother has been so overwhelmed, exhausted, and down in the pit for this long managing a household of 6 by herself. The youngest, their only boy, is very close to his Dad and has the hardest time among the children. I couldn’t help but burst into tears this morning. The songs, “The Goodness of God” and “Moment by Moment” have been on repeat today. And as I type, I think of “Doxology”. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
I have also seen God’s goodness in that their situation has brought several of us at church close together, helping to carry the burden of this dear family.
They still have a long road ahead, but this was such a huge answer to prayer. Dee, you are right. Praise is indeed the fuel that ignites our prayers. Over the last few weeks, I have kept reminding myself of who God is, praising Him even though this family’s situation seemed bleak.
This has also prompted me to look at a couple of personal burdens with a Godward perspective strengthening my resolve to pray more fervently and to ask God to open my eyes to what He is doing.
Praise the Lord!
Praising God for His answer to this prayer, Bing. I agree that we need to Praise Him and remind ourselves of who God is! Mighty and Powerful! Miracle worker!
This is wonderful Bing and yes, Praise God from Whom all blessings flow and Moment by moment I’m kept in His love!
Thank you all for thanking God with me. Incidentally, the father’s birthday was yesterday. He got the news at 1 AM today. What a great belated birthday although in other parts of the US, it still would have been his birthday! I think he will never forget this date! little details like this make me think of how with God there is nothing minute about his gifts to us. Oh, how He loves us!
That is a huge blessing for all. Thank you, Jesus!
1. How have you experienced the goodness of God this week?
Certainly all the wonderful prayers for our family, this past week has been a blessing! Thank you all!
1. What lament does Jesus make?
He cries for His people. Dying, destruction of Jerusalem.
2. What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
The people are all running to their rooftops.
3. Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
I know I have asked where I was (to myself).
I can see it could be disorienting, chaos, etc. But I wouldn’t think it would be like that to Jesus, who is God and knows all. He would know it is happening, or going to happen, right?
I have to agree about the answer to number 3.
Well, I followed directions and read Isaiah 22🤣🤣🤣. Sure was not tuned in, I suppose 🤷🏻♀️.
So…..I have more work tonight!
i guess I was saying that I agree with you in thinking that Jesus would not be confused. The wording doesn’t sit well. thinking of Jesus humanity and his Father turning away, we can understand his question, his sense of “what’s happening?” I’m sure I have been in this state and I can only think of tragedies of recent as well as my own physical losses in my body that have caused me to feel as though my Father has turned from me. daily I need to reorient my heart and mind. I still love to use Psalm 42 for this as we learned here how to do this from Michael Reeves.
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Isaiah 22:1-5.
What lament does Jesus make?
His lament is to His God.
What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
God has forsaken him. God has not heard his cry of anguish.
Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
This just happened to me this morning having a dream that I already have forgotten!
Many years ago, after the C-section for my daughter, I came out of a bad dream of being in a Ferris wheel that went round and round with an ever-increasing humming of the axle. In my dream, I was crying out for help. But then, I heard a voice (the nurse I figured later) commenting that I had moved my feet. I moaned and slowly woke up and finally got oriented to my situation in a recovery room, having given birth to a girl, Ruth, and the humming was the air conditioner! Where am I? What am I doing here? Kind of like reorienting myself to reality and waking up to it.
Questioning the goodness of God may mean that I do not know Him and his attributes from the beginning.
How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-5?
Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.[c] In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you, they trusted and were not put to shame.
He rehearsed the history of God’s faithfulness to His people. I can do the same. This instructs me that it is important to take note of how God has worked in my life. Keeping a journal and going back to it.
3. Read Isaiah 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
That humans mock and deride him.
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb, you have been my God.
He reminds himself that God is His Creator and will surely care for him.
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
For God to not be far from him because he knows God is the only One he can turn to.
Well, I didn’t catch the misprint and answered the first three questions with the Isaiah passage. Ugh!
4. How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-53?
He turns the lament to praising God.
3. Read Psalm 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
He laments Himself. He is chastising Himself.
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
He reminds Himself that God has always been with Him and that His mother took care of Him.
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
He wants God near Him because of troubles.
Tuesday
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross? strong bulls, surrounding him, open mouths, like roaring lions
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern? They pierce his hands and feet, stare and gloat, he’s wasting away from no food/drink-the darkness shows selfish ambition and desires to the point of wicked behavior coming out in their treatment of him.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see? He is dying a terrible death
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21? deliverance for his soul
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now? hmm. I had not thought of this before. of course we should learn to be patient in our afflictions and trust God
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here. Lord, Jesus, I cannot begin to fathom the pain you endured on the cross. my pain is nothing in comparison. without your love for me I would be lost. thank you for your incredible sacrifice and for turning my heart to you more each day. Amen.
This is to add to the discussion Laura began about Jesus not being disoriented because He was God. Indeed, He is God incarnate, but He emptied Himself to become one of us. Just listened to a sermon by Keller that talked about how he was able to endure the cross — we downplay it because we know He is God, yet He emptied Himself. He felt the pain like any of us would. Keller said He used Scripture to endure the cross the same resources we have. It was food for thought. Appreciate feedback!
Our Pastor started a new series that will lead up to Easter. And Sunday, he made the following comment…”The mission of Jesus wasn’t to prove He was God by saving Himself; it was to prove He was God by saving everyone else.” it was such an eye opener for me and I thought deeper about just why Jesus came. It made me think that Jesus is God incarnate, but his mission was in human form. The sermon was so good, it made you cringe in your seat, hearing all that Jesus had to endure for us. I wonder if anyone had gotten beaten as bad as he did before him for Jesus to see just how bad it would be. I don’t think that ever happened. Could any of us really comprehend just how bad it would be, I don’t even think Jesus could? Here’s the link if you would like to listen. https://www.youtube.com/live/He64PfclbVY?si=ObHw2xPPlXAJnhVK
Julie, your pastors sermon sounds really good. Thanks for the link and look forward to listening to it😊
Thank you for sharing this sermon, Julie. I will listen to it. This lesson is so painful to do. I am crying just typing.
I appreciate this! Your additional comments confirm the thoughts I came to which helps me feel better about what I’m thinking. I also appreciate your comments Julie and will try to find time to listen.
I do agree with this Dee as we forget that Jesus was part man and experienced physical pain like we do. This passage from Hebrews 2 came to mind…
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”
Hebrews 2:14-18 NLT
This is so good, Sharon. I really needed to read this!! He understands our pain and testing.
Perfect passage, Sharon.
This is so good, Sharon. I love this passage from Hebrews 2. Yes, I can often forget the humanity of Jesus. He allowed himself to go through what we go through so he could empathize with us. Psalm 22 essentially tells me that the Son of Man was disoriented too at his time of untold suffering so he can empathize with each one of us when we are experiencing the same. We can say the same words to the Father because His Son said the same. Rabbit trailing here.
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Psalm 22:1-5.
What lament does Jesus make?
—He is saying why have you abandoned me and why are you far away from me when I am groaning for help?
What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1?
—The experience of separation from God.
Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God?
—A couple of times in my life I have have been terribly sick and fainted as a result. Waking up out of that state is very disorienting. It is an out of control experience. But feeling like God has abandoned you and moved away and isn’t listening would be so painful emotionally.
How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-5?
—He acknowledges the holiness of God who indwells the praises of his people. Deliverance came for his people when they put their trust in God. He is remembering the faithfulness of God.
3. Read Psalm 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8?
—He is experiencing scorn, mocking and being despised.
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10?
—He trusts God to deliver and rescue him because God delights in him and has been with him since he was in his mother’s womb from the beginning of his life and birth.
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11?
—He is asking God to stay close to him in his time of trouble.
Monday: The Text (Part A)
2. Read Psalm 22:1-5.
What lament does Jesus make? – He asked ‘why have you forsaken me’
What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1? – That he doesn’t think God is near and that God can’t hear him.
Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God? – The thing coming to my mind right now is when I was in the hospital and in the early morning after I had surgery. I sensed someone standing in my room and was confused when I woke up. I had been in a deep sleep I guess that I forgot where I was and why someone would be standing there. I was definitely startled and not sure where I was. I’m not sure about the difference, but I think it may be that one is we are questioning ourselves, trying to remember the instant we are in at that time and when we question God, we are asking him personally, we are crying out to him and not just talking to ourselves. We are seeking Him for an answer.
How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-5? – he is reminding his soul that God is holy and good, that fathers trusted him and God came through for them. Their cries to him were not unanswered, they were rescued from their grief and torment.
3. Read Psalm 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8? – That he is being scorned and despised by people. That he is being mocked by those who see him.
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10? – He tells his soul that God has been with him from before birth.
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11? – He is crying out for God to be near because there is trouble coming and no one else can help him.
Tuesday: The Text (Part B)
4. Read Psalms 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
They are like a herd of fierce bulls that have hemmed Him in and like lions opening their jaws, roaring and tearing into their prey.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
Like a pack of dogs, they’re an evil gang that close in on Christ. They nailed His hands and feet to a cross…they crucified Him.
None of His bones were broken.
They stare and gloat at Him…mocking Him.
They stripped Him of His clothing and gambled/cast lots for His clothing.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?
“Poured out like water.” – He was losing His strength.
“Bones are out of joint.” – The way He hung on the cross put his body in an awkward position.
“Heart like wax, melting within Me.” – His heart ruptured.
“Strength dried up like sun baked clay.” – He has no more strength.
“Tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth.” – Thirsty
“Laid in the dust and left Me for dead.” – He did die and was laid in the tomb.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21?
Oh Lord, …
Don’t stay far away.
Come quickly to my aid!
Save Me from the sword.
Spare My precious life from these dogs.
Snatch Me from the lion’s jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us?
That God will rescue me in accordance to His will and time.
How could this help you with something you are facing right now?
To remember that He is in control, He knows what is best, to trust in Him and know that He works all things out according to His will and glory.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
Thank You Jesus for Your obedience in drinking the cup of suffering which was the Father’s will, so that I might have life and have it abundantly.
Sharon, love the detail in your answer to C. Thank you.
I agree!
Tuesday: The Text (Part B)
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross? – Oh Wow! He describes them as strong bulls. With mouths wide open like a ravening and roaring lion.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern? – They have a spirit of superiority. They want to be higher and better than Jesus and at the cross they feel they have accomplished their goal.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see? – You no longer have control of your own body. It becomes mutilated in all ways. Your bones do not function as God created them from the beginning. All functions are gone.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21? – He is crying out for the Lord to be near him. To come quickly to his aid and to deliver his soul, his precious life from the power of the dog.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now? – God’s saving and rescue may not be instant, and it may not look like we want it to look like. God’s rescue is in His time, and in His way. But we can know that His rescue will come. Our suffering is only for a time, and his promise of faithfulness is ours. We need to endure and be steadfast in that promise and in His faithfulness and love.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here. – Jesus, your mission on earth from your very first breath and even before, was for you to take your last breath for me. If you can endure the pain and suffering that you did for me and showed your unconditional love for me on the cross, I can know without a doubt that you will be there for me through my small and temporary suffering here on earth. Thank you, Jesus, for your love for me. A love that ended your life but started mine at that very same moment.
From Julie: Our suffering is only for a time, and his promise of faithfulness is ours. We need to endure and be steadfast in that promise and in His faithfulness and love.
Amen to Dee on your thoughts on suffering, Julie. Such truth and you stated it so perfectly.
2. Read Psalm 22:1-5.
What lament does Jesus make? Jesus is I crying out ” My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me”.
What seems to be His greatest agony in verse 1? Why are you so far from Me? Yet, He already knew the answer. He knew that in the Garden He had prayed to His Father; we do not know the prayer, but we know that He chose to drink the cup; He chose to do the Will of the Father, for the sake of us sinners. He became the sin that belongs to us. God must punish sin. Though Jesus was sinless, it seems that in the Garden is the final place where He gave His will and His rights up, in order to have us with Him in Heaven.
Derek Kidner makes it clear that this is not questioning God but disorientation—for He has always known the presence of God. Think about a time when you were disoriented—waking up in a strange place, coming out of a bad dream, or coming out of anesthesia. What confusion or questions did you have? How is this different from questioning the goodness of God? Sometimes, after a dream or when I am ill and coming back to reality, I have to get re-oriented.
How does He orient His soul by speaking truth to her in verses 3-53? Jesus knew in His heart why God had to turn away from Him. It was for us. The more real this becomes to me in life, the more I love and trust Jesus. It is hard to comprehend this gift and all He endured for us. We have all continued to be disobedient and we struggle to let go and give up, even though we know from history what He did. It helps me understand a bit how the Israelites kept going back to their idols….over and over and over. Jesus always was the ONLY answer from the beginning.
3. Read Psalm 22:6-11
What laments does Jesus make in verses 6-8? He was treated as a worm, less than a man, scorned and ridiculed, yet in verse 8, He trusted God. This is so hard and overwhelming to read. I always get a bit sick reading about how cruel they were to our Lord.
How does He speak truth to His soul in verses 9-10? He had accepted all of this horrible treatment, because He knew His Father; He knew He was SENT by God, to endure all of this pain, for our eternity. This hurts my heart.
Therefore, what is His cry in verse 11? Be not far from Me.
Patti, Like you I find it hard to dwell on the horrendous suffering of Jesus. I know it is important to understand and recognize the depth of it but as you said it causes a very sick feeling inside. I long for the day we will be praising Him as we see Him in his perfect and amazing glory. That time when all of Creation will be overcome and made new by his glory.
Patti and Bev — I share those feelings and yes, won’t it be wonderful that day.
Amen! I believe He will be perfect and we will recognize Him! Love this, Bev: I long for the day we will be praising Him as we see Him in his perfect and amazing glory. That time when all of Creation will be overcome and made new by his glory.
I sometimes wonder just how Jesus will look when we get to see Him. HIs resurrected/ascended body will be immortal, but will he still bear the scars of torture and crucifixion? He showed His scarred hands to Thomas after the resurrection. The Bible does not say other than the visions of John in Revelation. It will be glorious to be with Him, and all thought of His or my appearance won’t matter at all. Jesus, to be with Jesus.
Tuesday: The Text (Part B)
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
—Reading this scripture I was curious about the bulls of Bashan. Got Questions said it was the picture of being surrounded by angry bulls, intent on goring and trampling their victim. It is a very fearful thing. Bashan was a territory the Israelites had won by defeating King Og in their conquest of Canaan. They were famous for the quality of their cows and flocks. I’m certain that means their animals were of a large breed. Down here in Texas we have a friend with Longhorn cattle. Some of the bulls are large and imposing. A strong angry bull is a very dangerous animal. Jesus was trampled and defeated on the Cross but He was as victorious when he rose from the grave.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
—Evil knows no boundaries physically and emotionally in its cruelty and anger. The enemy seeks complete destruction. But God is never far off as it might seem.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?
—In the flesh Jesus gave all.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21?
—He asks God to come near quickly and to help him and rescue his soul.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now?
—We are blessed with many many promises from God in his Word of his care and concern for us. For instance:
Psalms 91:1-4 NLT
”Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.“
Because we live in a fallen and broken world we will experience trouble up close and personal but we are never without hope.
It has been really hard to watch my closest friend in Christ Lynda live in great and unbearable physical pain battling gout which is not the result of diet or bad eating practices but other complicated physical issues. Traditional therapies have not worked and we have and are begging God to bring her relief, help and healing so she can at least function again. We have chosen to believe God can.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
—Jesus, Thank you for your willingness to go to the Cross and suffer the worst of all pain and the incredible weight of sin for mankind and for me personally. You overcame it all and out of those depths you have brought victory over sin and death. You have brought hope to our very souls of life everlasting. Thank you for the assurances from your Word that we will be healed and whole forever. All praise and glory and honor belong to You!!
The research you did on bulls is good, also awful! Man’s inhumanity to man as the Scottish writer said, makes countless thousands mourn.
Awe, Bev, prayers of healing and relief for your friend, Lynda, and prayers for your heart as you minister to her. It is hard to watch suffering.
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
They are surrounding Him like a herd of bulls. They are like lions ready to tear into their prey.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
This is a description of Jesus’ death.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?
Bones out of joint, pierced side, strength has dried, mouth parched.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21?
For God to save Him.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now?
Patience.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
Thank You Lord. You have it all in Your hands. I know You have my back. That is comforting, I would have no chance of it wasn’t for You. Amen.
Love your prayer, Laura.
I love your prayer too, Laura. That is the truth in my life too! Only Jesus! Amen!
Wednesday: The Text (Part C)
This next passage celebrates what God has done in raising Christ and how it will affect all peoples to the end of the earth. This glorious news would be declared in the assembly and spread to the ends of the earth.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
Having a conversation with a friend after the November elections she made the comment that Christians vote for a certain person because they worship this person and I immediately shared with her that I don’t worship any human but only Jesus Christ because He is the Son of God. This person knows the gospel but I think it was good for her to hear this truth again.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-31
A. What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
Proclaim His name to our brothers and sisters.
Praise Him among the assembled people.
All who fear Him, give Him praise.
All descendants of Israel, honor and show Him reverence.
He hasn’t ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy, turned His back on them and neither should we.
He listened to their cries for help and so should we.
B. “Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
In the presence of those who worship Him the poor will eat and be satisfied.
C. What will be the result according to verses 27-31?
The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord.
They will return to Him.
All families of the nations will bow down before Him.
Royal power belongs to the Lord and He rules all the nations.
The rich of the earth will feast and worship.
The dead will bow before Him…even those who can’t keep themselves alive.
Children will also serve Him.
Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
His righteous acts will be told to the unborn.
This reminded me of this passage in Philippians 2…
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
D. What are the final four words of this Psalm?
“He has done it!” (NIV)
“That it is finished.” (Amp)
“He has performed it.” (NASB)
“Everything He has done.” (NLT)
“God does what He says.” (Message)
That was good to share, Sharon. I do fear the outpouring of Evangelicals for Trump has hurt the Christian name, and we need to try to do some clarifying, as you did.
Agree. Good point.
Tuesday
4. Read Isaiah 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
Like strong bulls, vicious, fierce, and threatening. Like ravenous lions, eager to tear and devour him.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
Motives of anger, wrath, hatred, and a desire to inflict pain and suffering, to destroy the one they hate. I see that they have allowed their emotions and desires to take control of their actions
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?:
Extreme pain (bloody back, nailed to the cross, hanging with arms outstretched, naked to the elements, suffocating), extreme thirst (caused by heavy loss of blood, perspiration, and possibly fever), agony of slow death.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21? He asks the LORD to deliver his soul, to be near him.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing
The resurrection proves that death is not our final end. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in my life. This gives me hope and increases my trust.
I also think that death itself can be a kind of rescue, from pain and suffering into glory.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
Dear Lord, Thank you. The thought that you would lay aside your glory, and the perfect fellowship you had with the Father and Holy Spirit, for me is humbling. Knowing that you willingly suffered torture, excruciating pain, rejection, shame, and death to save me from the wrath of God, is overwhelming. Why, Lord? I am not worthy of such a sacrifice. I can only say thank you and offer my life, as small as it is, to you. Thank you, Lord Jesus, thank you.
Wednesday: The Text (Part C)
This next passage celebrates what God has done in raising Christ and how it will affect all peoples to the end of the earth. This glorious news would be declared in the assembly and spread to the ends of the earth.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone. – When I explain what God has and continues to do for me, it makes the person stop and think about it. They don’t always respond right away, but when I get with them again, the love of Christ starts to show in what they do and how they start to act or change. This happened with my friend Dawn. She started to come to the Ladies Nights at church, then bible study and now she comes to church and serves. She is eager to share with others as she has seen what God can do.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-32
What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24? – We are to celebrate, praise and glorify God because he has not hidden his face from us or despised us.
“Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26? – We are to live out our relationship with God before others so they can see his goodness. We are to help provide for those in need so they will seek him and accept him.
What will be the result according to verses 27-31? – All the world will remember all that has been done and turn to the Lord and worship him. They will see and remember that the Lord rules over the nations. The Lord’s righteousness will be proclaimed from generation to generation and even reach the unborn.
What are the final four words of this Psalm? – The final four words are ‘that he has done it’. Yes, and thank you Lord! Your kingdom will reign forever.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
I am currently trying to help my DIL understand Jesus. She’s the one who asked me to buy her a Bible. I’m using The Chosen, as I have heard from many people how it’s changed their lives. One woman said she was raised in the Catholic faith and didn’t want anything to do with it as an adult, but when she saw the chosen, it’s brought her back to reading her Bible and being faithful to God again. That is powerful! Since she lives in the Netherlands and I am here, we are watching starting with season one each week one episode. We have finished season one so far.
What a beautiful way to connect with your DIL. I had a friend after watching a particular scene thought “that isn’t in the Bible” and it caused them to go search the scripture only to find out Jesus had in fact done and said that particular thing. We of course know some of the stories and situations in The Chosen are conjecture but the heart of the intent to consider Jesus and what was happening do not compromise the truth of the written scripture at all. If someone is stimulated to consider the Bible seriously as a result of watching that is a very good thing. Praying your DIL’s heart will be touched. I think of the scripture “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Laura! This is so exciting! The Chosen is so good and a wonderful way to share Jesus.
Wednesday: The Text (Part C)
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
—Here in Texas we have connected with a particular group of God’s people at their church and as couples over a meal. The sharing about what God has done in our own personal lives has served as a very real encouragement as we have heard their God stories and they have heard ours. We have entered into prayer for each other for many needs and have had reason to praise God together.
It seems to me this section makes a strong case for coming together as believers as the body of Christ and assembling ourselves with each other to share what God has done in sending his Son our Savior and offering Him praise and glory. As we practice His ways of caring for others all are blessed, the gospel is shared and He receives the honor and glory.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-32
What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
—He is celebrating that the suffering of the needy has not been belittled or ignored and their cries for help have been heard. We are called to praise and honor and reverence the Lord.
“Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
—“The poor will eat and be satisfied”. This speaks to the needs of the poor being met sufficiently.
What will be the result according to verses 27-31?
—As a result of God’s gracious provision through his people ( those who seek Him and praise him) others will acknowledge and turn to Him. And their future generations will hear about God’s righteous ways.
What are the final four words of this Psalm?
—he has done it!
This speaks to me about the finished work of Jesus on the Cross when he said “It is finished!”
The way of Salvation was accomplished by him. God’s covenant and promise to send a Redeemer by whom all the nations of the earth would be blessed had happened when He died then rose again.
Verses 27-30 are prophetic to the fact that Jesus is King and rules all nations and eventually all will bow down to Him.
Wednesday: The Text (Part C)
This next passage celebrates what God has done in raising Christ and how it will affect all peoples to the end of the earth. This glorious news would be declared in the assembly and spread to the ends of the earth.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
Not knowing the spiritual condition of each woman in my study group, I have talked about salvation through the blood of Jesus (death,butial,resurrection). I’ve talked about the relationship I have with the Lord and the indwelling Spirit. I have tried to make this a reality, not just a nice idea, and testified of the Lord’s goodness.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-32
A. What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
The LORD does not despise those afflicted (Jesus on the cross) but hears their cry. The LORD is present with us in our affliction. We’re called to praise the name of the LORD and give Him glory.
B. “Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
Those who are meek, humbling themselves before the Lord and seeking Him, will be filled with spiritual blessings. I like the way it’s stated in Wesley’s notes: “22:26 Satisfied – This is doubtless to be understood, of those spiritual blessings, that grace and peace, and comfort, which all believing souls have in the sense of God’s love, the pardon of their sins, and the influences of God’s spirit.”
The comforts will never fail.
C. What will be the result according to verses 27-31?
The above is a witness to the world. In the future the whole world will turn and acknowledge the Lord as creator/ruler of the earth. All believers will worship the Lord at this time. No one can escape death, and everyone will stand before God. For now there remains a small group of believers (the seed) who declare and bear witness to God’s righteousness/saving grace so that now and in the future people will know what He has done.
D. What are the final four words of this Psalm?
KJV “..he hath done this,”
Father, thank You for helping Cheryl share the gospel — please open the eyes of any in her group who do not understand.
Amen. Thank you, Dee.
I join Dee in praying for open eyes, hearts and clarity in those hearing you share the gospel, dear Cheryl.
What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
He praises the Lord! He shows Him reverence.
“Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
He says he will “…share in the assembly…and with those who worship You.”
What will be the result according to verses 27-31?
The poor will eat, all who acknowledge the Lord will praise and rejoice, return to Him. All nations will bow before Him.
What are the final four words of this Psalm?
“…everything He has done.” NLT
4. Read Psalm 22:12-21
A. In verses 12-13, how does Jesus describe the people who are crucifying Him and watching Him from the foot of the cross?
My Bible footnote says bulls are metaphor for enemies, and the ravenous lions; these enemies sound like vicious animals wanting to tear apart their prey.
B. The scene’s brutality (see also 16-19) reveals some of the motives behind the crucifixion and the darkness of which we are all capable if we let the devil in. What can you discern?
The motives seem pure hatred and mob mentality ~ No one thinking for themselves; all are ruled by evil, darkness and hatred. It is so important for Christians to stay in the Word and not listen to the roar of the crowd. Jesus is stripped of His garments.
C. Verses 14-15 describe the effects of crucifixion. What can you see?
Jesus is experiencing extreme torture and He is dying.
D. What does Jesus ask in verses 19-21
Jesus asks for His soul to be delivered and rescued from these ravenous evil enemies. Jesus is trusting that God will answer Him.
E. God did rescue Jesus, but not then. What should this teach us? How could this help you with something you are facing right now?
God Rescued Jesus in resurrection; His plan is different that what we see or visualize. We do not always understand or see His plan when we are in the middle.
F. Ben Patterson said that Christ’s passion was to do the will of His Father, no matter the cost, and we certainly see the cost in Psalm 22. Thank Him here.
Lord God our Father in heaven, there are no words to adequately thank you for the great gift you have given for your children. You suffered a painful, horrific death that did not belong to You. You lived a perfect life and suffered death worse than the worst criminal. You were hated, jeered at and treated unfairly, yet you willingly accepted this cup from Your Father, so that we may be forgiven of our terrible sins and we will spend eternity with You. I Praise Your Holy Name and I thank you with a heart that Praises You even in the sorrows on this earth. Thank you Holy Jesus.
Amen🙏Beautiful prayer Patti…it touched it my heart as I prayed it this morning!
So good, Patti, “It is so important for Christians to stay in the Word and not listen to the roar of the crowd.”
Thursday Part I. of Keller’s Sermon: What Is The Mystery of This Psalm? Part A.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
—This Psalm is amazing in that it was written by David but it wasn’t about David. It is clearly about Jesus. We can see that now because the prophecies in it have been fulfilled. But it had to be very confusing to the other psalmists and song writers of David’s time and following because they had to know it wasn’t referring to David but to someone else. So the mystery surrounding it was far greater then than now. I can’t help but wonder what David thought in his own mind as the Holy Spirit led him to write those words. It had to be troubling to him.
I find this so amazing, Bev! How many prophecies, whuch have been fulfilled to the letter! God was working, though The Holy Spirit! The Trinity has been there since “ In the Beginning” !There is so much scripture which is mysterious. God is mysterious! I know! I often wonder the same thing. What was going through David’s mind, as the Holy Spirit led him!
Thursday Part I. of Keller’s Sermon: What Is The Mystery of This Psalm? Part A.
Listen while you simultaneously read the text. I urge this for he is so anointed as he preaches. Don’t just read.
At the most climactic moment in Jesus’ life, he cried out the first words of this psalm. You must remember that (though I always forget) in those days they didn’t have chapter numbers; they didn’t have verses and numbers. They didn’t even have titles for the books. The way you referred to a book or a chapter was you quoted the first words of it. So when Jesus cried out Psalm 22 on the cross, that first verse, he was saying, “This psalm is what I’m all about; this psalm reveals what I’m here to do, what I’m doing right now.” If it’s true that this is the most important quote Jesus ever made, that this reveals the essence of who Jesus is, and secondly, if Jesus is the most important single human figure in the history of the world, then thirdly, anyone who wants to live in this world, understanding what’s going on in it, needs to understand this psalm.
The way to do that is to ask these three questions:
What is the mystery of this psalm?
What is the solution to the mystery?
What does it mean practically for us?
Let’s look at the mystery of the psalm. Now the first thing is I want you to see is how incredibly mysterious this psalm is, as it reads. It’s an enormously mysterious, difficult writing. This is David’s psalm. This is a psalm of King David (Psalm 22). I want you to notice a couple of things that are just about inexplicable about it. First, there’s the inexplicable juridical nature of David’s treatment. What’s happening to him? Hmm? Class? What’s happening to him? In verses 6–8, we see he is out in public, where people are jeering at him. In verse 17, they’re gloating and they’re scorning him. Secondly, he’s dying of thirst (verse 15) so that the tongue has swollen up and has begun to choke him. He is so emaciated (verse 17) that you can see his bones … every one of them. In verse 16, he has been pierced in his hands and his feet, either by a sword or by a shaft or by a spear. What is happening to him? This is an execution. This is a public execution. The clincher to that interpretation is verse 18, where it says, “They cast lots for my garments.” You see, when a criminal was executed, the executioners got the clothes. Now the reason this is an incredible mystery is, where in the world was King David ever up being executed? Where did he have a public trial? Where was he executed? We know more about David’s life than any other figure of ancient history/antiquity, and there’s nothing about this there. In fact, how could there be? How could the greatest king of Israel have ever come into this situation? In fact, we have to be careful not to be anachronistic and read what we do today back into those days. If you overthrew a king, you didn’t have a public trial; you didn’t do the Saddam Hussein thing. You didn’t bring him for a public trial and have a jury and a judge and all that sort of thing. You just had a coup; you killed him. Then you sat on the throne yourself. In other words, not only did this never happen to David, but it couldn’t have happened to David.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I never thought or remembered that this Psalm was written by David and was about him. It reads so much like what happened to Jesus. The details are of Jesus’ treatment and crucifixion. This detail from Tim Keller is a new twist for me on this Psalm. It’s like David was living or seeing Jesus’ life and purpose. Was he dreaming of what was to come?
Friday: What is the Mystery of This Psalm? Part B.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why? – When I read and listen to this section, it makes me wonder if David is in torment because of what happened with Bathsheba and his son. Like this is an internal execution brought on by himself. By the ‘shame’ and conviction of what he did. And when people see how he changed and worshipped God even more, will make them continue to tell what they saw in David.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I think what stands out to me most, is what he says right away about not having chapters and verses to reference, but that people would just know what Psalms it was based on the first line. We are so lucky to have the Bible!! I don’t think I would have put 2 and 2 together, myself. People couldn’t read or write either! It was purely spoken to them and they memorized. Wow!
By the way, how did David know how to pen the words too??? Was he also a prophet (I guess?)?
I loved that too. They used to just sing psalms and they would just call them out by their number or first line and everyone would sing!
Thursday Part I. of Keller’s Sermon: What Is The Mystery of This Psalm? Part A.
Listen while you simultaneously read the text. I urge this for he is so anointed as he preaches. Don’t just read.
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
What stood out to me is how significant this Psalm is…
It reveals who Jesus is, what He came to do and what He’s doing right now and I will add what He will do in the future. A Psalm to one day memorize.
Also, that David would have never gone through something like this and therefore David wrote a prophecy about Jesus.
Friday: What is the Mystery of This Psalm? Part B.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
—Keller says “this psalm, on the face of it, as it is read, is an absolute enigma, is unbelievably mysterious? How in the world the original hearers would have read it, I have no idea.”
That is the thought that struck me as well. This Psalm could not have any sense to David’s hearers. But as I said in my comments to Thursday’s answer I can’t imagine but what David was baffled and troubled by it as well. I would be left to assume that David was prophesying under the influence of the HolySpirit and left to wonder at God’s words spoke through him. Looking forward to more of Keller’s thoughts on this.
Thursday
7. What stands out to you from the above and why?
That just by speaking the first line of this Psalm would trigger the listeners’ memories. They could not escape the correlation of what was happening to Jesus to the psalm of David in its entirety. Did any Jew hearing Jesus speak wonder about the possibility of prophecy fulfilled?
This reminds me of when Jesus read from the book of Isaiah (61:1,2) in the synagogue in Nazareth (Lk 4:16-22) He read a portion, closed the book, and sat down. Everyone’s eyes were fastened on Jesus, and he said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled.” His entire life on earth from conception to His ministry to the cross was fulfillment of scripture. It seems incredible to me that more Jews could not see that.
This is a good point. The Spirit must have had to hide the truth from some in order to fulfill the events. In all truth, would we have seen it? Often the Lord does not do what we expect-his work in our lives is counterintuitive. For instance, we have such a challenge in understanding the cry of Jesus on the cross. Keller tells us: How Jesus is both Holy and Loving at the same time is inexplicable to us. In His love, he died for our sins, and yet, because of our sins He HAD to die for us. He is our greatest possible companion in suffering, as he understands our suffering. He is our greatest future because of our suffering, we are changed for the better. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Beautiful Cheryl Ann and Chris!
Your comment immediately brought this passage to mind, Jesus speaking to his disciples, Matthew 13:14,15
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Great passage.
I love all that you all wrote. The scriptures are a mystery, yet they unfold throughout history! It does seem crazy that people could not comprehend it and also that they were so easily swayed by the angry crowds and shouters.
Friday
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
“How in the world the original hearers would have read it, I have no idea.” I like the way Keller is putting us in the place of David and Israel at the time this Psalm was written. It is so easy to read something from my own perspective. I do know the Israelites were expecting Messiah, and that they had specific scripture in mind that pointed to His coming. Might they have thought this about Psalm 22, especially since it talks about all nations being converted? It is a mystery for sure.
Wow! Perspective truly makes a difference. Looking back, our perspective is so different from theirs.
This next passage celebrates what God has done in raising Christ and how it will affect all peoples to the end of the earth. This glorious news would be declared in the assembly and spread to the ends of the earth.
5. Tell about the last time you endeavored to share something about the good news of Christ and what it can mean to someone.
I have shared some precious moments of time in the past few months with two people who are not believers. It has been baby steps and sometimes action over words. I have a sweet relationship with each of these new friends. Both are seekers, and coming from very different backgrounds. Each one has said they enjoy our conversations and I let them do the asking. It is a beginning and I pray that our times together with draw them to Jesus. He knows their hearts and His love to open hearts. I love how God weaves His Word in the our lives and we just need to pray that He will give us His love and His words they need to hear.
6. Read Psalm 22:22-32
What does Christ celebrate and ask us to celebrate and do in verses 22-24?
Christ is declaring the Name of the Lord; Christ Praises God,
He asks us to Praise the Lord, To Glorify Him and to Fear (Revere) Him. He has not despised the afflicted
“Fulfilling my vows” refers to the Old Testament, when God’s people were not to keep God’s provisions and blessings to themselves but to share them with the needy. How do you see this in verses 25-26?
Jesus is giving His life for others and those who seek Him will be satisfied by the way He is paying His vows
What will be the result according to verses 27-31? There will come a time when all the world will turn to Him and acknowledge Him. His kingdom will rule over all nations.
I just love your easy going, natural way of sharing the gospel.
Friday: What is the Mystery of This Psalm? Part B.
8. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I wonder what went through David’s thoughts as he penned this Psalm and then went back and reread it? As Keller says it is “unbelievably mysterious!” We have the privilege of commentators , which is so helpful in reading so many passages in the Bible and also we have the whole of scripture which is also helpful in interpreting scripture with scripture.
Saturday
9. What’s your take-a-way and why?
Psalm 22 shows the eternal purposes of God. At the time it was written nothing was understood, Jesus quoting it on the cross gives enlightenment, but the future glory is yet to be revealed. Jesus’ use of OT scripture tells us that the entire Bible is important, and that Jesus is revealed in OT and NT.