Psalm 22 is one of the most powerful descriptions of suffering in the entire psalter. It is often connected with Christ’s suffering upon the Cross. Taken on its own terms, this psalm speaks of praise to God amidst suffering. Within the context of Jesus’ life and crucifixion, the depth of this psalm only increases.
SERMON OUTLINE
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)
Lamenting God’s Distance (Psalm 22:1-11)
Lamenting Evil Opponents (Psalm 22:12-21)
Praising God for Deliverance (Psalm 22:22-31)
Jesus the Suffering and Delivered Messiah
Advent Worship of Jesus through Psalm 22
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This weekend, we continue our series, “Songs of the Savior: Psalms for Advent,” by looking at Psalm 22. Before you begin the study, ask God to speak to you through His word, and then read that Psalm aloud.
- Psalm 22 is a unique combination of lament and praise. The first section of the psalm, verses 1-11, laments the suffering of the psalmist. According to verses 1-2 and 6-8, what is the suffering of the psalmist like?
- That first section also included remembrance of God’s character. In verses 3-5 and 9-10, how does the psalmist view God and turn to God?
- The final verse of this section (11) offers a summary prayer to God. Have you ever experi- enced times like this in your life? How have you turned to God in these times?
- The second section of the psalms, verses 12-21, vividly describes the opposition that the psalmist is encountering. What animals characterize the opponents and how does their opposition affect the psalmist?
- This section also concludes with a prayer in verses 19-21, but it is a bit longer. What is the psalmist asking of God?
- When have you experienced opposition like this in your life? How did you respond to it?
- The psalm takes a dramatic turn from lament to praise in the third section, verses 22-31. The first five verses (22-26) issue a call to worship God together as a community. What reasons does the psalmist offer for praising God?
- The psalm concludes with a promise of the nations, those who have died, and those yet to be born giving praise to God for who He is and what He has done. Why do you think the psalm ends in this way?
- What are some of reasons you could praise God in your own life right now? If you’re with a small group, share those together. If you’re on your own, right them down as a prayer of thanks.
- As we continue in our journey through Advent with the psalms, what is one thing God is speaking to you about worshipping Jesus and preparing your heart for Him through this study? If you are on your own, write these things down and let this shape your prayer life in the days to come. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers aloud together.