John 19:23-24

Scripture Fulfillment

Introduction:

When we read the Old Testament Scriptures we must be careful exegetes. For sure throughout the Old Testament Scriptures we see the person and work of Christ.  Not everything we read pertains to the historical data of Israel. The primary subject is Christ in His redemptive work for His Church.  The types and shadows of Christ we read about are for our edification and spiritual growth, whether it comes from the Law, Prophets or Psalms.  Rom.15:4; I Cor. 10:11 Dr. Barnhouse states, “The proper method of Bible study is to enter into the Gospels through the Epistles, and to enter into the Old Testament through the New.  And the prerequisite to any of this study is that the truth which is revealed in the Epistles.”

I. SCRIPTURE PROPHECIES FULFILLED

A. Intense detail

1. Written centuries before the birth of Christ

2. All Scripture inspired by God

3. Disciples were always cognizant of what the prophecies meant.

4. Jesus rebuked them for not knowing the Scriptures – Matt. 21:42; 22:29; Mk. 12:34; Luke 24:-25,27

B. Confusion Vanished

1. After the Resurrection of Christ

2. John the Apostle was able to put together the Old Testament predictions.

C. Four Prophecies fulfilled in this context:

1. The division of Christ’s clothing among the soldiers – John 19:23-24 cf.  Psalm 22:18

2. The giving of vinegar solution to Jesus to drink – John 19:28-29 cf. Psalm 69:21

3. The breaking of the legs of the two thieves coupled with the decision not to break Jesus’ legs – John 19:31-33,36 cf. Psalm 34:20

4. The piercing of Christ’s side with a spear – John 19:34-35,37 cf. Zech. 12:10

D. Psalm 22:18 Fulfillment:

1. The dividing of Christ’s clothing – Turn To: I Peter 1:18-21; (Rev.13:8); Eph.1:3

2. The death of Christ having supreme value – (John 17:2,6-12, 22,24)

II. SUFFERING SAVIOR SATISFIED

A. Jesus was thinking and meditating on Psalm 22

1. Because Psalm 22, starts with the beginning of those dark hours on the cross – Mk. 15:34

2. Because Psalm 22:31 at the end of those three hours on the cross Jesus cries out, “It is finished” cf. John 19:30

3. Because implications from the beginning to the end of Psalm 22 indicate the specific words of Christ had in mind traversed the whole scope of the Psalm. Psa. 22:31

B. Three Pictures Describing Jesus’ Suffering:

1. Forsaken – Rom.6:P23

2. Worm – Psa. 22:6 Heb. (Towla) “a purplish red worm when crushed”

3. Lion’s mouth – v.34

Conclusion:

1. Before Jesus’ death He thought of us – John 17

2. Jesus thought specifically of the Larger congregation – Psa. 22:25

3. Jesus thinks of the whole, complete church – v.27

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

 207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069 - Web Site fultonrpc.org

(12/9/2007)