Bible Study

Have Children look up verses in Psalm 22 and then the corresponding verses that fulfill the prophecy in the New Testament. Lead a discussion using the questions below.

1. Psalm 22:1:

My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me? Why are You so far away when I groan for help?

Mark 15:34:

Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?”

• Why do you think Jesus felt abandoned? God had to turn away from the sin that Jesus bore.
• Why didn’t God help Jesus? God’s plan must be completed.

2. Psalm 22:7-8:

Everyone who sees Me mocks Me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save Him! If the Lord loves Him so much, let the Lord rescue Him!”

   Matthew 27:42-43

“He saved others,” they scoffed, “but He can’t save Himself! So He is the King of Israel, is He? Let Him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in Him! He trusted God, so let God rescue Him now if He wants Him! For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”

• Could Jesus have saved Himself? Why or why not?
• How difficult do you think it would be to have Jesus’ power and know you are God’s Son but not save yourself or retaliate?

3. Psalm 22:16:

My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.

   Luke 24:38–40:

<“Why are you frightened?” He asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at My hands. Look at My feet. You can see that it’s really Me. Touch Me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As He spoke, He showed them His hands and His feet.

• Jesus was mocked and ridiculed by the angry mob and crowds on His way to the cross and as He was crucified. How do you think He endured this? He loved us so much and wanted to fulfill God’s plan and provide forgiveness.
• What do you think was going through the disciples’ minds at this point? Do you think it would be difficult to see the wounds and know what Jesus had endured for you?

4. Psalm 22:18:

They divide My garments among themselves and throw dice for My clothing.

   Matthew 27:35:

After they had nailed Him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.

• Isn’t it amazing, all the details that had been prophesied and then fulfilled by Jesus? What does this say about God and His plan and His Word? It all comes to pass, God’s Word is truth, God has the power to accomplish and work through anyone, He has the power to accomplish anything He wills.
• What did the soldiers do in this verse? Why do you think they would want to keep His clothes?

Remind children that David’s Psalm was written over a thousand years before Jesus’ crucifixion took place! Emphasize to children that Jesus endured all the suffering and pain to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for us!