Who Is Jesus?Sample

Who is Jesus? Crucified and suffered for our sins

Are you a big-picture person or a detail-oriented type of person? Some people just want the summarized version of the book, project, or event while others want a full-length description including all the particulars. Some people get energized thinking about the overall goals and long-term vision. Others get energized working through the day-to-day specific aspects of the task. Because God didn’t want anyone to miss out on His perfect plan of redemption, He gave us both the big picture as well as the precise details of how the world would be saved.

During His crucifixion, Jesus referenced this plan when He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Hanging on the cross, Jesus could hardly breathe, let alone quote the full-length passage. However, with the few words He could manage, Jesus was directing people to Psalm 22. What’s amazing is David penned these words roughly one thousand years before Christ's birth or even Rome's invention of crucifixion. And yet Psalm 22 provides a detailed description of exactly how the Messiah would die and that is recorded in Matthew 27.

In the prophecy of Psalm 22, verse 2 we are told day would turn to night. In verse 7 we are told Jesus would be mocked. Verse 15 tells us of His extreme thirst. Verses 16 and 17 tell us His hands and feet would be pierced, but no bone would be broken. Then in verse 18 we are told his garments would be divided by casting lots. That said, Psalm 22 also provides a message of incredible hope.

The second half of the 22nd Psalm encourages us that people all over the globe will turn to the Lord. More importantly, we are promised all who seek the Lord will live forever because of His righteous sacrifice.

Reflect:
Jesus lived a perfect life and yet voluntarily took on the punishment for our sins. Jesus was willing to be separated from the Father, so that as we place our faith in Him and the sacrifice He made on the cross, we will never again be separated from God.

Respond:
Whether you are a big-picture or detailed-oriented person, all of us must decide what we will do with the reality of Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus died so that you might live. If you have never accepted the free gift of salvation Jesus offers, prayerfully read through Psalm 22 and thank Jesus for His great sacrifice.

Pray:
Lord, thank You for revealing your plan to save the world through Psalm 22. Help me to never take your sacrifice for granted. Give me boldness to share the hope I have with others who don’t yet know You.