The Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus’ Crucifixion and Psalm 22

John 19:23–24 (NKJV)

²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. ²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

“They divided My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Message

They had crucified Jesus (23, John 19:17-18). Then, the soldiers took Jesus’ garments, including the outer cloak, sandals, and belt, divided them into four parts, and distributed them among themselves (23). As for the undergarment (the seamless tunic), they didn’t tear it but cast lots to determine who would receive it (24). This fulfilled the prophecy written in Psalm 22:18 NKJV.

Psalm 22 starts with:

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1 NKJV)

Jesus spoke these words on the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34 and Luke 23:34.

Psalm 22:6-8 NKJV also described how people mocked Jesus while He was on the cross:

⁶           But I am a worm, and no man;

A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

⁷           All those who see Me ridicule Me;

They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

⁸           “He  trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him;

Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

This event is recorded in Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32 and Luke 23:35-39.

Psalm 22:16 NKJV foretold the piercing of Messiah’s hands and feet:

“…They pierced My hands and My feet;”

Psalm 22 was written between 1011 B.C. and 970 B.C., but it was fulfilled in 33 A.D. when Jesus was crucified.

God’s unique ability to foretell the distant future with perfect accuracy sets Him apart from all creation, proving His sovereignty over time, history and all things. Isaiah 46:9-10 NKJV declares:

⁹ Remember the things I have done in the past.

For I alone am God!

I am God, and there is none like me.

¹⁰ Only I can tell you the future

before it even happens.

Everything I plan will come to pass,

for I do whatever I wish.

Amen. Praise God. Everything He foretells comes true.