Summary of Podcast Episode #72: "Why Did Jesus Quote a Psalm While Dying?"
The Daily Blade episode #72, hosted by Pastor Joby Martin of the Church of Eleven22 and Kyle Thompson of Undaunted.Life, delves deep into the profound significance of Jesus' final words on the cross, exploring their fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Released on April 10, 2025, this episode provides listeners with insightful theological reflections aimed at equipping Christians to apply the Word of God to their everyday lives.
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode begins with Joby Martin welcoming listeners to The Daily Blade, emphasizing the power of the Word of God as the "sword of the spirit," a crucial weapon against evil. He introduces himself and co-host Kyle Thompson, setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of scripture designed to "equip men for the fight."
2. Exploring Jesus' Final Words
a. "I Thirst" – John 19:28
Kyle Thompson initiates the discussion by examining one of Jesus' last seven sayings on the cross: "I thirst" from John 19:28. He notes:
"[00:20] Kyle Thompson: ... Jesus was fully God, but he was also fully man. That the king of kings and the Lord of lords got thirsty. And so he said, I thirst to fulfill the scripture."
Kyle emphasizes the dual nature of Christ—His divinity and humanity—and how this statement underscores His complete fulfillment of prophecy.
b. "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" – Matthew 27:46
Transitioning to another poignant statement, Kyle discusses Jesus' cry from the cross as recorded in Matthew 27:46:
"...Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, this is Aramaic, Eloi, Eloi lamash avaktani, which is my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
(Timestamp: [04:15])
Kyle reflects on his initial interpretation of this verse, thinking it indicated Jesus feeling forsaken by God as a form of divine punishment for humanity's sins. However, he soon pivots to a deeper understanding through rabbinical tradition.
3. Psalm 22: A Messianic Prophecy Fulfilled
a. Understanding the Remez Tradition
Kyle introduces the concept of remez, a rabbinical method of teaching that involves hidden meanings or allusions in scripture. He explains:
"Everybody here would have had the psalms memorized. And what Jesus is doing is quoting the first verse of Psalm 22 so that when the mind of the people heard, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Then the rest of the lyrics of that psalm or song will begin to play through their mind."
(Timestamp: [03:05])
This approach reveals that Jesus' words on the cross weren't a sign of abandonment but a deliberate fulfillment of Psalm 22's prophetic declarations.
b. Detailed Analysis of Psalm 22
Kyle proceeds to read Psalm 22, highlighting its vivid descriptions that mirror the events of Jesus' crucifixion. He connects specific verses to the crucifixion narrative:
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Verses 1-2: Jesus' initial cry mirrors the psalmist's anguish.
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Verses 7-8: Descriptions of mockery and scornful treatment reflect the insults Jesus faced from those present at the crucifixion.
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Verses 16-18: Foretelling the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for His garments aligns precisely with the historical accounts of Jesus' death.
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Verses 23-31: The psalmist's proclamation of God's triumph and the universal acknowledgment of His righteousness prefigures the resurrection and the global spread of the Gospel.
Kyle meticulously points out:
"...He trusts in the Lord, Let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, for he delights in him. The thief on the cross said, save yourself and save us with you..."
(Timestamp: [04:30])
This illustrates how Psalm 22 not only predicted the physical suffering of Jesus but also His ultimate victory and mission to preach to future generations.
4. Insights and Theological Implications
a. Fulfillment of Scripture
Kyle underscores the significance of Jesus fulfilling prophecy, asserting:
"Crucifixion did not happen to Jesus. It was prophesied a thousand years before and Jesus was fulfilling his call to do what His Father told Him to do. Amen."
(Timestamp: [06:30])
This realization reinforces the sovereignty of God in the divine plan of salvation and the meticulousness of scriptural prophecy.
b. Encouragement for Believers
By connecting Jesus' suffering to Psalm 22, Kyle offers listeners a profound assurance of God's foreknowledge and purpose. He encourages Christians to trust in the resurrected Christ, highlighting:
"May your hearts live forever. How are you going to live forever? By putting your faith in the resurrected Christ."
(Timestamp: [05:45])
This calls believers to embrace the hope of resurrection and the eternal life promised through faith.
5. Conclusion and Call to Action
In his closing remarks, Joby Martin reiterates the episode's key message about the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' crucifixion. He urges listeners to share the podcast and support the mission of equipping men for spiritual battles.
"Thank you for listening to today's episode. Before you go, if you want to help, equip other men for the fight, share this podcast around and leave us a five star rating and review. Stay sharp."
(Timestamp: [06:51])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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[00:01] Joby Martin: "The word of God is described as the sword of the spirit, the primary spiritual weapon in the Christian's armor against the forces of evil."
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[00:20] Kyle Thompson: "Jesus was fully God, but he was also fully man. That the king of kings and the Lord of lords got thirsty. And so he said, I thirst to fulfill the scripture."
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[04:15] Kyle Thompson: "Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, this is Aramaic, Eloi, Eloi lamash avaktani, which is my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
-
[03:05] Kyle Thompson: "Everybody here would have had the psalms memorized. And what Jesus is doing is quoting the first verse of Psalm 22 so that when the mind of the people heard, my God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Then the rest of the lyrics of that psalm or song will begin to play through their mind."
-
[04:30] Kyle Thompson: "He trusts in the Lord, Let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, for he delights in him. The thief on the cross said, save yourself and save us with you..."
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[05:45] Kyle Thompson: "May your hearts live forever. How are you going to live forever? By putting your faith in the resurrected Christ."
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[06:30] Kyle Thompson: "Crucifixion did not happen to Jesus. It was prophesied a thousand years before and Jesus was fulfilling his call to do what His Father told Him to do. Amen."
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[06:51] Joby Martin: "Thank you for listening to today's episode. Before you go, if you want to help, equip other men for the fight, share this podcast around and leave us a five star rating and review. Stay sharp."
Key Takeaways
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Prophetic Fulfillment: Jesus' final words on the cross are not mere expressions of anguish but fulfill the messianic prophecies outlined in Psalm 22, demonstrating God's intricate plan for salvation.
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Dual Nature of Christ: The episode highlights Jesus' humanity and divinity, showcasing His capacity to experience human suffering while fulfilling His divine mission.
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Encouragement Through Scripture: Understanding the prophetic connections provides believers with deeper assurance of God's purpose and the hope granted through Jesus' resurrection.
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Call to Action: The hosts encourage listeners to share the episode and engage with the community, fostering a collective effort to strengthen faith and equip believers for spiritual challenges.
This comprehensive exploration in episode #72 reinforces the profound interweaving of Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, offering listeners a deeper appreciation of Jesus' sacrificial love and the divine orchestration of His mission.