Understanding Yeshua's Cry: Forsaken or Praised on the Cross?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Peter's speech in the temple courts
3. The reference to David and the Messiah
4. Understanding the use of Psalms in Jewish tradition
5. Yeshua's cry on the execution stake
6. Exploring Psalm 22: The forsaken or the praised?
7. Symbolism and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies
8. The significance of Yeshua's wounds
9. Declaring the glory of God in the congregation
10. The future worship and the coming of the Kingdom
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will dive into the fascinating account of Peter's speech in the temple courts and his reference to David and the Messiah. We will explore the use of Psalms in Jewish tradition, particularly how one verse can represent an entire passage. Additionally, we will closely examine Yeshua's cry on the execution stake and analyze the true meaning of Psalm 22. Furthermore, we will discuss the symbolism and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, as well as the significance of Yeshua's wounds. Finally, we will explore the concept of declaring God's glory in the congregation and look towards the future worship and the coming of the Kingdom.

Peter's Speech in the Temple Courts

Peter, standing in the temple courts on Shavuot or Pentecost, confidently addresses the crowd. He begins by referring to the patriarch David and his burial place among them. Peter establishes David as a prophet who received a divine oath to seat one of his descendants on the throne. This descendant, Peter declares, is none other than the Messiah Yeshua. The revelation of David's prophetic role may come as a surprise to some, but it demonstrates the depth and richness of Scripture.

The Reference to David and the Messiah

By invoking Psalms and the manner in which they were referenced during Yeshua's time, Peter emphasizes the importance of the entire passage. When one verse is mentioned, it serves as an invitation to explore the entire psalm. Just as saying "The Lord is my shepherd" would immediately bring Psalm 23 to mind, Yeshua's cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" directs attention to Psalm 22.

Understanding the Use of Psalms in Jewish Tradition

In Jewish tradition, referring to one verse in a psalm indicates that the entire psalm should be examined. By focusing on the first verse, the speaker alludes to the entire message. This practice allows for a concise expression of thoughts while invoking the weight and depth of the entire passage.

Yeshua's Cry on the Execution Stake

Many interpret Yeshua's cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 as a sign of God forsaking him on the execution stake. However, a closer look at the entire Psalm 22 reveals a different perspective. The psalm speaks of anguish and suffering, but it also proclaims victory and praise. Yeshua, by quoting this psalm, is referencing the entire passage, not just the words that seem to suggest abandonment.

Exploring Psalm 22: The Forsaken or the Praised?

Psalm 22 begins with a lament, expressed through the words "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?". This verse is commonly associated with the idea of Yeshua's forsakenness on the execution stake. However, continuing through the psalm, we discover a gradual shift in tone. The psalmist recounts trust in God, past deliverances, and his hope in God's presence.

Pros:

• The use of Psalm 22 brings attention to the psalmist's experience of suffering and abandonment, mirroring Yeshua's experience on the execution stake.
• By quoting this psalm, Yeshua invoked the entire passage, illustrating a deeper understanding of Scripture and its fulfillment.

Cons:

• Misinterpreting Yeshua's cry as a sign of abandonment can lead to a misunderstanding of the psalm's overall message.
• Focusing solely on abandonment ignores the psalmist's praise and trust in God, which is ultimately the psalm's focal point.

Symbolism and Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

Yeshua's experience on the execution stake was not only a moment of suffering but also a profound fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Psalm 22 paints a vivid picture of the events surrounding Yeshua's crucifixion, with alarming accuracy. The psalm mentions the piercing of hands and feet, the dividing of garments, and the casting of lots, all of which find their parallel in the accounts of Yeshua's crucifixion.

The Significance of Yeshua's Wounds

The wounds inflicted upon Yeshua on the execution stake hold great significance. In Psalm 22:16, the psalmist speaks of being "pierced," a word that aligns with Yeshua's experience of being violently pierced through his hands with nails. This imagery points to the sacrificial nature of Yeshua's death, fulfilling the role of the promised Messiah as the ultimate redeeming sacrifice.

Declaring the Glory of God in the Congregation

Psalm 22 ultimately directs attention to the praise and declaration of God's name among the congregations. Yeshua, through his use of the first verse of the psalm, wants the listeners to understand the purpose of his suffering and the ultimate victory that is to come. Together with believers from all nations, we join in declaring God's glory and anticipating the future worship in the coming Kingdom.

The Future Worship and the Coming of the Kingdom

As we reflect on Yeshua's cry on the execution stake and the significance of Psalm 22, we are reminded of the promise of future worship and the coming of the Kingdom. The psalm speaks of all the families of the nations bowing down before God and declaring his righteousness. This prophetic imagery echoes throughout Scripture, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and the anticipated worship in the Kingdom to come.

Conclusion

The depth and intricacy of Scripture is revealed through Peter's speech in the temple courts and the reference to Psalm 22. By understanding the use of Psalms in Jewish tradition, we can gain insight into Yeshua's intention behind quoting this psalm. Rather than expressing abandonment, the psalm encompasses both suffering and triumph, pointing to Yeshua as the epitome of the promised Messiah. It is through his wounds and sacrificial death that we find redemption and the invitation to join in declaring God's glory in the congregation. As we await the future worship and the coming of the Kingdom, may we continue to explore the richness of Scripture and grow in our understanding of God's plan for salvation.

Highlights

• Peter's speech and the reference to David and the Messiah
• Understanding the use of Psalms in Jewish tradition
• Reevaluating Yeshua's cry on the execution stake: forsaken or praised?
• Symbolism and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Psalm 22
• The significance of Yeshua's wounds and the sacrificial nature of his death
• Declaring the glory of God in the congregation
• The promise of future worship and the coming of the Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did God forsake Yeshua on the execution stake? A: The interpretation of Yeshua's cry on the execution stake as an expression of abandonment is debated among scholars. However, a closer examination of Psalm 22, from which the verse is quoted, reveals a larger message of triumph and victory. The cry was not indicative of God forsaking Yeshua but rather a proclamation that invited listeners to reflect on the entire psalm.

Q: How does Yeshua's quotation of Psalm 22 fulfill Old Testament prophecies? A: Yeshua's quotation of Psalm 22 is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering and sacrificial death of the Messiah. The psalm contains vivid imagery that parallels the events of Yeshua's crucifixion, such as the piercing of hands and feet, the dividing of garments, and the casting of lots.

Q: What is the significance of Yeshua's wounds on the execution stake? A: Yeshua's wounds hold great significance as they align with the prophetic imagery of Psalm 22 and the sacrificial nature of the Messiah's role. The piercing of Yeshua's hands and feet, mentioned in the psalm, points to his sacrificial death and serves as a powerful symbol of redemption and atonement.

Q: How does Yeshua's cry on the execution stake connect to future worship and the coming of the Kingdom? A: Yeshua's cry on the execution stake, rooted in Psalm 22, directs attention to the ultimate declaration of God's glory and worship among all the families of the nations. It signifies the anticipation of future worship and the fulfillment of God's plan for redemption and the establishment of His Kingdom.