Messiah On the Cross
As Jesus walked with two traveler’s on the road to Emmaus
(NASB) Luke 24:27 “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.”
Let’s consider one the more poignant prophecies of David in the Psalms:
Psalm 22 is a “picture” of Messiah (Christ) on the cross. This Psalm’s opening sentence records Jesus’ agonizing cry from the cross “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Throughout this Psalm, the circumstances are prophesied concerning the on-lookers scorn and mockery of Jesus hanging on that cross “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him, since he delights in him.” (See verse 7-8)
The physical condition of Jesus’ body is even prophesied: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.” And “I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat at me”. (See verses 14-15, 17)
Amazing prophecy of the Roman soldiers who gambled for Jesus’ robe, “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” (see verse 18)
And this prophetic Psalm concludes with “for he has done it” (See verse 31b) which were the last words of victory by Jesus before He died, “It is finished!”
What importance does God place on the cross of Christ? 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 explains how believers and unbelievers view the cross. It also tells how God uses His wisdom compared to the world’s “wisdom”. In verse 25 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
How individuals view the cross will affect their eternity.
The cross of Christ reveals the power of God, the wisdom of God – for all who come to Jesus by faith that He died for their sins – and we all need to be saved through Jesus the Christ (Messiah).