Harmony Highlights 22
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Harmony Highlights 22 by Gene Van Shaar
Notes: Biblical texts are from the King James Version. If no text is given, the event is not mentioned by that author. Reference links lead to alternate translations. Event numbers and locations match the Concise Harmony. Lowercase letters after references indicate a suggested priority or order.
Events #224 and #228: Mocking and Messianic Prophecy
Location: Jerusalem (South)
Matthew 27:39-43,46a (Link to NIV)
39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:29-32b
29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, 30 Save thyself, and come down from the cross. 31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. 32 Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. 33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Luke 23:35-37c
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
John
Events #224 and #228 - Notes and Insights
After misunderstanding verse 46 for years, I made the connection with Psalm 22 which begins with the words, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Finally, I understood that when Jesus quoted these words from the cross, he was not questioning his Father but citing a messianic prophecy that verified his identity and mission. Later in Psalm 22 it says, "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him…For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet…They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalm 22:1,7-8,16,18)
Thus we see, that when Jesus quoted the first line of Psalm 22 he was calling attention to an ancient messianic prophecy that predicted in detail what happened during the crucifixion. Those who had just said what Psalm 22 predicted were suddenly exposed, and Jesus’ identity and mission were indisputably verified from the cross.
Discussion Questions
(1) What experience or insight have you had related to this event?
(2) What principle(s) does this event teach you?
(3) What do you love about this event, and why?
(4) How can you apply this event to your life?
© Copyright 2024 Gene Van Shaar