Messianic Psalms

All of scripture ultimately directs us toward Jesus, and that includes the Psalms. While there is a sense in which every psalm reveals something about Jesus (it’s what I have called the “Jesus lens”), there are five psalms that are particularly important because of the way they are used in the New Testament to clarify the identity and mission of Jesus.

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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

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Session 10 Video

Messianic Psalms

Summary: All of scripture ultimately directs us toward Jesus, and that includes the Psalms. While there is a sense in which every psalm reveals something about Jesus (it’s what I have called the “Jesus lens”), there are five psalms that are particularly important because of the way they are used in the New Testament to clarify the identity and mission of Jesus.
Notes:
- BACKGROUND
  - Israel’s king was a representative and agent of God to the world. The king is called a “son of God” in Psalm 2. In the first century, the Jews were eagerly anticipating a great king like David or Solomon who would drive out the Romans and reestablish the kingdom. They hoped that Jesus might be the messiah

(anointed one), one “greater than Solomon” (Luke 11:31) because he could feed the multitudes, heal the sick and raise the dead. Surprisingly, he disappointed them at first, and then exceeded their expectations.

- *PSALM 2: SON OF GOD*
    - Declared at his baptism, affirmed at his transfiguration, and at his crucifixion
    - The global expansion of the church and the judgment of the nations (Revelation 19)
    - Worship (kiss) him as you would God, rejoice and tremble

- *PSALM 45: BRIDEGROOM*
    - Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (Hebrews 1:8-9)
    - At his side, his beautiful bride (11). She has a new identity, a new family, and all of his affection
    - The church is the bride of Christ and their union has been fruitful (Ephesians 5:22-33)

- *PSALM 110: VICTORIOUS KING AND ETERNAL PRIEST*
    - Quoted by six individuals in the New Testament, Jesus is victorious king and great high priest
    - A Melchizedek-type priest (king of righteousness and peace, eternal, greater than Abraham)

- *PSALM 22: OUR BROTHER*
    - “I will tell of your name to my brothers” (Psalm 22:22)
    - The founder of salvation made perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10-12)

- *PSALM 118: THE CORNERSTONE AND THE LAMB OF GOD*
    - Sung at Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (vss.25,26)
    - Jesus identified himself with the master’s son in the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) and declares himself to be the cornerstone of Psalm 118:22. He is the cornerstone (first), capstone (last) and keystone (central) (1 Peter 2:7).
    - He is the Passover lamb bound and taken to the altar (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29)
    - Resurrection, Jesus prayed, “I shall not die, but I shall live” (Psalm 118:17) after the Last Supper.

Discussion:

Hindsight is 20/20. Those closest to Jesus missed many of the clues to his identity until he opened their eyes. How have these five psalms opened your eyes to see Jesus more clearly?
Of all of these metaphors of Jesus the Messiah, which means the most to you right now?
The writer of Hebrews makes much of Jesus being a Melchizedek-type priest (read Hebrews 5 and 7). How does this priesthood of Jesus impact your relationship with God in a practical way?
Jesus prayed Psalm 118 knowing that his suffering and death were only hours away. How does this psalm help us “give thanks to the LORD” when we face our own trials?