Christ in the Psalms: Prophecy and Fulfillment

Christ in the Psalms: Prophecy and Fulfillment

Introduction
We live in a culture where faith is under attack. TV shows, movies, schools, and books often try to take away confidence in Christ. But our faith rests on what God has said, and one of the strongest proofs is prophecy. Jesus Himself pointed to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms as testifying of Him (Luke 24:44). The Bible makes predictions centuries in advance and fulfills them in perfect detail. That is how we know God’s Word is inspired. This morning, we will look at how the Psalms foretell the King, His suffering, His victory, and His reign.

The King Will Face Opposition
Psalm 2 declares, “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed” (Psalm 2:1-2). When Peter and John spoke in Acts 4:23-28, they quoted this very psalm, saying it was fulfilled in Jesus. Herod, Pilate, the Gentiles, and the Jewish rulers opposed Christ exactly as prophesied. A thousand years before it happened, David described the opposition the King would endure.

The King’s Suffering and Death
Psalm 22 contains vivid details of the crucifixion. Verse 1 says, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus cried these exact words from the cross (Mark 15:34). Verse 7-8 says, “All those who see Me ridicule Me… saying, ‘He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him.’” In Matthew 27:43 the chief priests mocked Jesus with those very words. They did not intend to fulfill prophecy, yet they spoke exactly what David had written a thousand years earlier.

Psalm 22:16 adds, “They pierced My hands and My feet.” This was fulfilled when Roman soldiers nailed Him to the cross, as Thomas confirmed in John 20:25-27. Verse 18 says, “They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” John 19:24 records the soldiers doing precisely that. These details were not controlled by Jesus or His disciples; they were fulfilled by unbelieving soldiers.

Psalm 34:20 says, “He guards all His bones; not one of them is broken.” John 19:33-36 records that Jesus’ legs were not broken because He was already dead, fulfilling the prophecy. These precise details show the divine inspiration of scripture.

The King’s Victory
Psalm 16:10 says, “You will not leave My soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” On the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that David was not speaking of himself but of the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:25-32). Jesus did not remain in the grave—He rose victorious.

Psalm 68:18 says, “You have ascended on high.” Paul applied this to Jesus’ ascension in Ephesians 4:8-10. The King not only rose from the dead but also ascended to heaven and gave gifts to His church.

The King Reigns
Psalm 45:6 says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Hebrews 1:8 applies this directly to the Son, showing His eternal rule. Psalm 110:1 says, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Peter applied this in Acts 2:34-36, declaring that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Today, Jesus reigns at the right hand of God, exactly as the Psalms foretold.

Conclusion
From opposition to suffering, from resurrection to reign, the Psalms testify of Christ. A thousand years before the cross, God gave exact details that were fulfilled perfectly. This proves the Bible is inspired, trustworthy, and true. Our faith rests on this unshakable foundation.

The King in the Psalms: Prophecy and Fulfillment Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Faith attacked today, but prophecy proves God’s Word. (Luke 24:44)

• The King Will Face Opposition: Psalm 2 predicted rulers would oppose Him. Fulfilled in Acts 4 with Herod, Pilate, Jews, Gentiles.

• The King’s Suffering and Death:

  • Psalm 22:1 → Jesus’ cry on the cross (Mark 15:34).

  • Psalm 22:7-8 → Mocking words (Matthew 27:43).

  • Psalm 22:16 → Pierced hands and feet (John 20:25-27).

  • Psalm 22:18 → Casting lots (John 19:24).

  • Psalm 34:20 → No broken bones (John 19:33-36).

• The King’s Victory: Psalm 16:10 predicted resurrection, fulfilled in Acts 2:25-32. Psalm 68:18 predicted ascension, fulfilled in Ephesians 4:8-10.

• The King Reigns: Psalm 45:6 and Psalm 110:1 declare His eternal throne, fulfilled in Hebrews 1:8 and Acts 2:34-36.

• Conclusion: Prophecy proves the Bible true. Christ reigns. Believe, repent, and obey.

Call to Action
The Psalms prove Jesus is the promised King. These fulfilled prophecies show the Word of God is certain and trustworthy. If you have never obeyed Him, believe, repent, and be baptized for forgiveness of sins. If you are a Christian struggling with doubt, let these prophecies strengthen your faith.

Key Takeaways

• The Psalms predicted opposition to Christ (Psalm 2; Acts 4).

• His crucifixion was foretold in detail (Psalm 22; John 19).

• His resurrection was prophesied centuries before (Psalm 16; Acts 2).

• His ascension and reign were declared (Psalm 68; Ephesians 4; Psalm 110; Acts 2).

• The fulfillment of prophecy proves the Bible is God’s Word and builds faith.

Scripture References

• Luke 24:44 – Jesus points to Law, Prophets, Psalms.

• Psalm 2; Acts 4:23-28 – Opposition predicted and fulfilled.

• Psalm 22; Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:43; John 19:24 – Suffering, mocking, casting lots.

• Psalm 34:20; John 19:33-36 – No broken bones.

• Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:25-32 – Resurrection prophesied.

• Psalm 68:18; Ephesians 4:8-10 – Ascension foretold.

• Psalm 45:6; Hebrews 1:8 – Eternal throne.

• Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34-36 – Christ’s reign.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO