“Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani”?
“Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?”: The Fulfillment of Psalm 22 and the Weight of Sin
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we reflect on one of the most profound moments in the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As He hung on the cross, bearing the weight of the world’s sin, He uttered the heart-wrenching words, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). These words, recorded in both Matthew and Mark’s Gospels, open a window into the profound suffering of Jesus and the depth of His sacrifice for us. They also connect directly to Psalm 22, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy and the immense burden of sin Jesus bore.
The Context of Psalm 22
Psalm 22, written by King David, is a powerful and prophetic psalm that vividly describes the suffering of a righteous individual who feels abandoned by God. The psalm begins with the haunting words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and goes on to depict intense physical and emotional agony. However, the psalm also moves toward a confident trust in God’s deliverance and ends with a note of triumph and praise.
Let us explore how the events of Jesus’ crucifixion correspond to the verses in Psalm 22, underscoring the fulfillment of this prophetic scripture in the last moments of Jesus’ earthly life and revealing the weight of sin He carried.
Parallels Between Psalm 22 and the Crucifixion of Jesus
The Cry of Forsakenness (Psalm 22:1) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) Jesus’ cry from the cross is a direct quotation of this verse, highlighting His sense of abandonment as He bears the sins of the world. This cry encapsulates the spiritual agony of Jesus as He experiences separation from the Father due to the weight of humanity’s sin.
Mockery and Scorn (Psalm 22:7-8) “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. ‘He trusts in the Lord,’ they say, ‘let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.'” (Psalm 22:7-8) At the crucifixion, Jesus faced similar mockery and scorn. Matthew 27:39-43 describes how those who passed by hurled insults at Him, saying, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him.” The fulfillment of this prophecy demonstrates the depth of Jesus’ humiliation and the fulfillment of the psalmist’s words.
Physical Suffering (Psalm 22:14-15) “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:14-15) The physical suffering described in these verses mirrors the agony Jesus endured on the cross. John 19:28 records Jesus saying, “I am thirsty,” fulfilling the prophecy of His parched condition. The excruciating pain and dehydration He experienced are vividly portrayed in the psalm.
Piercing of Hands and Feet (Psalm 22:16) “Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16) The piercing of Jesus’ hands and feet by the nails of the crucifixion directly fulfills this prophetic description. This specific detail underscores the accuracy and divine inspiration of the psalm in foretelling the method of Jesus’ execution.
Dividing of Garments (Psalm 22:18) “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” (Psalm 22:18) In Matthew 27:35, we read, “When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” The Roman soldiers’ actions in dividing Jesus’ garments and casting lots for His seamless robe fulfill this prophecy with precise accuracy.
Declaration of God’s Deliverance (Psalm 22:22, 24) “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. … For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (Psalm 22:22, 24) While Psalm 22 begins with a cry of forsakenness, it ends with a declaration of God’s faithfulness and deliverance. This transition from despair to hope mirrors the ultimate outcome of Jesus’ crucifixion. Despite the agony of the cross, Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate vindication and triumph over sin and death. His resurrection is the fulfillment of the psalm’s promise of deliverance and victory.
The Weight of Sin
One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ cry, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” is the weight of sin that He bore on our behalf. In that moment, Jesus experienced the full impact of humanity’s sin, which caused a profound sense of separation from God. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Jesus’ cry of forsakenness reflects the spiritual and emotional agony of bearing the sins of the world. It was not just a physical suffering, but a deep spiritual burden as He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved. This act of sacrificial love is the heart of the Gospel, demonstrating the lengths to which God went to redeem us.
Lessons for Us
The fulfillment of Psalm 22 in the crucifixion of Jesus teaches us several important lessons:
The Reality of Suffering: Jesus’ cry of forsakenness and the vivid descriptions of His suffering remind us that He fully understands human pain and abandonment. In our darkest moments, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has been there and sympathizes with our struggles.
The Weight of Sin: Jesus’ cry underscores the immense burden of sin and the cost of our redemption. It reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the profound sacrifice Jesus made to atone for it. This awareness should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God’s grace and a greater commitment to living a life that honors Him.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The precise fulfillment of Psalm 22 in the events of the crucifixion underscores the reliability of Scripture and God’s sovereign plan. It assures us that God’s promises are true and that His Word is trustworthy.
Hope in Despair: Just as Psalm 22 transitions from despair to hope, Jesus’ crucifixion leads to the resurrection. In our own lives, we can trust that God will bring us through our times of suffering to a place of hope and restoration.
God’s Love and Sacrifice: The suffering and sacrifice of Jesus demonstrate the depth of God’s love for us. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This love calls us to respond with gratitude, faith, and a commitment to follow Him.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the words, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” and their connection to Psalm 22, we are reminded of the profound depth of Jesus’ suffering and the incredible fulfillment of prophecy. His cry of abandonment on the cross was not the end but a pivotal moment in God’s redemptive plan, leading to the triumph of the resurrection.
May we draw strength and hope from this powerful revelation, knowing that our Savior understands our suffering, fulfills His promises, and loves us with an everlasting love. Let us hold fast to our faith in Him, trusting that He will bring us through every trial to a place of victory and joy.
Amen.
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