Jesus Can Relate

Introduction

Grief council from someone who was not close to the one who passed away.

Connection: Experiencing disdain and attacks by people. A sense of abandonment of God in a time of need.

Take Home: Jesus has experienced every type of suffering we encounter, which qualifies Him to comfort us in our times of need.

Message Focus: What David experienced, what we experience, and what Jesus experienced and accomplished.

Scripture Introduction

David feels that God has abandoned him. He grapples with the hope of divine assistance despite the disdain and attacks of his enemies who are afflicting him.

This situation serves as a prophecy of what Jesus would do for humanity. Some of the figurative language becomes literal concerning Jesus.

Experiencing Separation from God

vv. 1-2

My God, why have you forsaken me? v. 1

Abandoned

Pray for an outcome and the exact opposite happens.

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””

2 Corinthians 5:21 “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Sin includes a curse, Gal 3:13

*What the curse is

Isaiah 59:2 “but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.”

This relates to Jesus’ humanity, not His divinity

Relatable (100% man not 5/50)

Jesus gave his physical body and inner self as an offering for sin, Isa 53:10

Experiencing the Faithfulness of God

vv. 3-5

Pray for an outcome and the exact opposite happens. It is going to be okay.

Our perspective will change our stress level.

You are holy v.3

Distinct from false gods (alive & acts)

They trusted and were not put to shame v. 5

Expectation of God’s faithfulness

Psalm 89:30–33 “If his children forsake my law and do not walk according to my rules, if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with stripes, but I will not remove from him my steadfast love or be false to my faithfulness.”

Experiencing People’s Disdain

vv. 6-11

This hope doesn’t take away what David is experiencing

Despised by the people v.6

It is religion that is holding back scientific advancement and social enjoyment.

He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him v. 8

Matthew 27:43 “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ””

Be not far from me v. 11

Experiencing Physical/Mental Agony

vv. 12-19

Closeness of the enemy

Voice of the enemy is louder than the voice of God

Strong bulls surround me

Encompass objects that excite their distrust

Ancient records record men as heroes who kill one of these bulls when they come towards a city because of the destruction they could create.

Open wide their mouths like lions

Seeking to devour, 1 Pe 5:8

He is poured out water (flimsy/weak)

All my bones are out of joint v. 14

Heart is like melted wax (fading)

Strength is dried up like a potsherd (brittle)

My tongue sticks to my jaws v. 15

“I thirst” - Jesus, Jn 19:28f

Jesus did all this to bring us into the new covenant

Mark 14:24 “And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

Pierced my hands and feet v. 16

Like the lion they are at my hands and my feet

For my clothing they cast lots v. 18

Because Jesus’ tunic was seamless, Jn 19:23f

O Lord, do not be far off! v. 19

Experiencing Deliverance by God

vv. 20-24

Power comes back on (1st world problems :)

You have rescued me v. 21

He has not despised . 24

Think lightly of affliction

Or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted . 24

Does not detest you an that is why you are afflicted

Summary

Experiencing Separation from God

Jesus experienced this on the cross when He took our sins upon Himself

Experiencing People’s Disdain

People mocked Jesus’ obedience and identity as the Son of God.

Experiencing Physical/Mental Agony

Jesus’ bones were out of joint and His strength was faded as He died on the cross.

Experiencing Deliverance by God

God the Father didn’t take lightly the affliction of Jesus. He vindicated Him by raising Him from the grave.

A Possible Next Step

Talk to God as a friend. Let him know what is going on, how you are feeling, and ask Him questions. Then allow time of silence.