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Read: Psalm 22
Listen: Psalm 22

Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it! Psalm 22:30-31

This year, we look for Jesus in the Old Testament to see how God’s plan always included Jesus saving us from our sins. This month, we look at various Psalms to see how they point to Jesus as the Messiah who will suffer to save his people and ultimately reign victorious over all nations.

King David wrote many psalms that point to Jesus, his descendant whom God promised would rule forever one day. During his crucifixion, Jesus quotes one of David’s psalms as he cries, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1). Psalm 22 points to Jesus being mocked on the cross and people wondering why he cannot save himself when he saved others (Matthew 27:42). The psalm ends by describing families from all nations kneeling before him, serving him and declaring to future generations what he has done.

Psalm 69 portrays the Messiah’s trials and suffering. Jesus is the righteous one who endures scorn, disgrace and shame on the cross while enemies surround him (Psalm 69:19). Verse 21 is fulfilled when Jesus is offered a drink mixed with gall while he hangs on the cross. By suffering, the Messiah will save his people, rebuild their cities and provide a dwelling place for his people (Psalm 69:35-36).

Psalm 110 points to Jesus’s victory in battle. He will rule with a mighty scepter, and his troops will be willing to fight for him. His enemies will become his footstool. This psalm also points to Jesus as a ruling king and a priest forever, referring back to Melchizedek, who met with Abram (Genesis 14:17-19). Psalm 110 also indicates the Messiah as one who will one day judge all nations.

TODAY: The Psalms offer rich language and poetry about Jesus as the Messiah. Commit to reading this month’s passages prayerfully. Ask God to open your eyes to all the ways the Psalms point to Jesus.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Psalm 22. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note any cross references in your Bible and how Jesus quotes this Psalm while hanging on the cross.