“THE SUFFERING, SHEPHERDING, AND TRIUMPHANT MESSIAH”
(Psalm 21:1-13; 22:1-31; 23:1-6; 24:1-10)
He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. – Psalm 24:5
The apostle Peter, preaching on the Day of Pentecost, identifies David as a prophet who knew that one of his descendants would be a Messianic king who would suffer and then triumphantly reign eternally. Today, we read Psalms with significant prophecies concerning Jesus.
Psalm 23 is a source of comfort during times of sorrow and uncertainty as it brings hope in God’s loving care, guidance, protection, and even eternal life. Jesus identified himself as the Good Shepherd and what it would require of him when he said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn 10:11). Jesus did lay down his life to bring us the blessings articulated by David in this psalm: restore the soul, lead us in paths of righteousness, bring us comfort and care when we face death, and make the way for us to dwell forever with God. What great blessings there are for those who rely on Jesus!
Our salvation was costly! Consider Psalm 22’s prophetic words fulfilled during Jesus’ crucifixion:
- My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (v. 1). Jesus quotes this psalm during his crucifixion (Mt. 27:46)
- All who see me mock me . . . saying let God rescue him (vss. 7-8 ). This happened when the rulers and soldiers mocked Jesus during his crucifixion (Mt. 27:27-31, 39-43).
- My mouth is dried up like a potsherd (v. 15). This may have been a prophecy of Jesus saying he was thirsty and then given vinegar by the mocking soldiers (Jn. 19:28).
- They pierce my hands and feet (v. 16). Nails were driven through Jesus’ hand and feet to fasten him to the cross for his crucifixion (John 19:23, 37).
- They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots (v. 18). The soldiers were careful not to tear his clothes then they cast lots to see who would get them (Jn. 19:24)
How remarkable that David would write with astonishing accuracy the means of execution and other striking details of Jesus’ death! It is believed that crucifixion was not even performed until the time of the Romans, several hundred years after David wrote this psalm. What else does David prophetically say in Psalm 22 that is fulfilled in Jesus?
- He is the Holy One, worthy of praise (v. 3).
- People who fear God will praise, honor, and worship him (v. 23).
- People from all over the world will hear about his death and the righteousness he brings, including future generations not yet born (v. 27).
Three thousand years after David penned these words and two thousand years after their fulfillment, you will find faithful followers of Jesus Christ all around the world. Each successive generation has spread the good news, and today, we also believe and declare: Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again to bring us salvation and eternal life with God! He has done it! He has done it! (Ps. 22:31b)
Simple Truth:
Jesus is the Righteous One, the Good Shepherd, who died and rose again to give us salvation and eternal blessing―just as David prophesied.
Reflections:
- How does reflecting on the prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 22 shape your view of Jesus’s sacrifice and God’s eternal plan?
- Has Psalm 23 brought comfort and hope to you during times of sorrow and uncertainty? What does Jesus’ identification as the Good Shepherd mean for your personal relationship with Him?
- How can you live and share the gospel with others? Recognize that as you tell others about Jesus, you are part of the fulfillment of David’s prophetic psalm.
Applications:
- Contemplate the imagery of God as your shepherd. Let it guide you to trust in God’s loving care in the challenges you face today.
- Who do you know that needs the message of Jesus’s sacrificial love, protective care, and eternal blessings? Reach out, asking God to help you bring them hope, comfort, and reassurance.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who laid down His life so that we may know your love, guidance, and eternal salvation. Help me to find comfort in Your presence, trusting You to restore my soul and lead me in paths of righteousness. Strengthen my faith in the truth of Your Word, and give me boldness to share the good news of Jesus with others. May I always praise You for the victory Jesus has won. May my life reflect my gratitude for the costly salvation You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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