When Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He was quoting the opening words of Psalm 22, a psalm written by King David centuries before the crucifixion. The people standing at the cross were mainly Jews who knew the Scriptures. Among them were religious leaders, scribes, Pharisees, bystanders, Roman soldiers, and some of Jesus followers. By quoting the first line of Psalm 22, Jesus was drawing their attention to the entire psalm. Psalm 22 contains many details that match the crucifixion: * The righteous sufferer is mocked by those around him (Psalm 22:7-8). * His hands and feet are pierced (Psalm 22:16). * People stare at him as he suffers (Psalm 22:17). * His garments are divided and lots are cast for his clothing (Psalm 22:18). These events were taking place before their eyes as Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus was not denying His identity or expressing unbelief. Rather, He was pointing the witnesses back to David’s prophecy so they could recognize that what was happening had been foretold in Scripture. That same Psalm that begins with suffering ended with victory, the greatest victory and defeat in the world. Also His cry was a powerful fulfillment of what David had written centuries earlier. Shalom… He who has eyes, let him see. He who has ears, let him hear. You need Jesus.