This session continues the study of Messianic prophecy by focusing on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the lens of Psalm 22, with supporting references from other Old Testament passages and their New Testament fulfillment. The lesson is structured as the first part of a broader examination of Christ’s death, with a later session planned to address Isaiah 53 and the burial.
The study begins by reading Psalm 22 in full and demonstrating that, while it may not have been immediately recognized as messianic by Jewish readers prior to the crucifixion, its details align precisely with the historical events surrounding Jesus’ death. Particular attention is given to descriptions that correspond to crucifixion, including physical suffering, dehydration, joint dislocation, exposure, and the piercing of hands and feet. The psalm also records the mocking, ridicule, and gestures of onlookers, as well as the division of the victim’s garments—details that are later shown to be fulfilled explicitly in the Gospel accounts.
The lesson then turns to Psalm 69, highlighting the reference to gall and vinegar, which is connected to what was offered to Jesus at the beginning of the crucifixion. These Old Testament texts are compared directly with the crucifixion narrative in Matthew 27, demonstrating fulfillment “point by point,” including the casting of lots for Jesus’ seamless tunic and the verbal mockery directed at Him.
Beyond physical suffering, the session emphasizes the spiritual dimension of the crucifixion. Special focus is placed on the opening cry of Psalm 22—“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”—and its quotation by Jesus during the period of darkness. This is explained as a unique moment in which Christ, in His human nature, experienced separation from God, an aspect of the cross-work that went beyond physical torture.
Further prophecies are examined, including the piercing of Jesus’ side and the fact that none of His bones were broken. These are traced to Zechariah 12 and Psalm 34, and shown to be fulfilled in John 19, where the soldiers confirm Jesus’ death by piercing His side rather than breaking His legs. The extraordinary precision of these prophetic details—some typical of crucifixion and others highly atypical—is emphasized as evidence of divine foreknowledge rather than human prediction.
The session concludes by underscoring the theological and evidential importance of Psalm 22 as one of the clearest Old Testament passages pointing to the crucifixion. It previews a forthcoming study on Isaiah 53, noting its exceptional clarity regarding the Messiah’s suffering and explaining why it has been a point of controversy within Jewish interpretation.
