Psalms

Psalms 22: The LORD hears the afflicted

Begin in prayer

Before we hear the cry Jesus spoke from the cross, let us ask God to show us the cost of our sin. Ask Him to show us why the Savior's suffering leads to worldwide praise.

I will bear the indignation of Yahweh, because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my case, and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light. I will see his righteousness.

Micah 7:9

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that Jesus bore judgment for His people and rose to bring them near to God. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David's song begins with a forsaken cry to the holy God in whom Israel's fathers trusted. Mockers surround the sufferer, while he remembers God's care from his earliest days and begs Him to stay near. His failing strength, pierced hands and feet, and divided clothing describe suffering that the Gospels show in Jesus at the cross. The plea turns within the song to an answer, followed by a promise to declare God's name among his brothers. The afflicted One has been heard, the humble eat and are satisfied, and the nations turn to the LORD. Future generations will hear of God's righteousness and what He has done.

As you read Psalms 22, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD hears His afflicted One and brings praise to the ends of the earth.

The repeated address to his God keeps the sufferer's trust alive within the question of why he has been forsaken. Jesus spoke this opening cry from the cross, as Matthew 27 verse 46 records. The surrounding bulls, lions and dogs picture enemies whose strength and cruelty press a helpless man toward death. The LORD's care from birth gives him reason to ask again for help while his strength fails. John 19 verses 23 and 24 name the division of Jesus' garments as the fulfilment of this song. The turning point is the answered prayer, which opens into praise rather than cancelling the suffering already described. Hebrews 2 verses 11 and 12 give Jesus the words about declaring God's name to His brothers. The humble share in the satisfaction of thanksgiving, and praise widens to the nations because the kingdom belongs to the LORD. Those who cannot keep themselves alive must bow, while a coming generation learns what God has done.

How does Psalm 22 show us that the LORD hears His afflicted One and brings praise to the ends of the earth?

The holy LORD receives the sufferer's cry.

The sufferer brings his abandonment to the God who delivered the fathers who trusted Him. Mockery and failing strength do not silence his plea for God to come near. His hands and feet are pierced, yet he still calls the LORD his help.

The LORD answers the afflicted One.

The plea for rescue turns into the confession that God has answered. The sufferer will now declare God's name among his brothers and praise Him in the assembly. God has heard the afflicted One rather than despising his suffering.

The LORD's kingdom draws praise from every nation.

The humble eat and are satisfied as vows and praise are offered before God. The world's rich and dying alike owe Him worship. The story reaches people yet unborn, who will be told of His righteousness.

Memorise

For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.

Psalm 22:24

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, how am I treating my sin lightly when Jesus suffered its judgment?

The song begins, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus took that cry upon His lips at the cross. David's song carries us from that suffering to the praise of people yet unborn.

Jesus bore His people's sin and the punishment that separated them from God's favour. The Father continued to love His Son as the Son endured that judgment in their place. The Father raised the suffering Son from death. His people's whole debt is paid, and their peace with God rests upon the complete offering He made for their sins.

Turn from sin and trust the Savior who suffered and rose. The crucified and risen Lord grants forgiveness to sinners who take refuge in Him. You cannot keep your own soul alive or answer for your guilt. Bow before the living King and join the praise that tells a coming generation of His saving righteousness.

Parent's note

Tell your children that Jesus bore judgment for His people and rose to bring them near to God. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for hearing His afflicted One and bringing praise from the nations. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”

John 19:28

Holy Father, thank You for giving Your Son to bear the judgment His people deserved. Please show us our guilt and lead us to repent and trust Jesus. Thank You that He rose and His saving work is complete. Help us tell the next generation what You have done, and draw the nations to praise You. Amen.