John 19:23-24
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 19:23-24 a couple of times visualizing the scene as you read. Then read Psalm 22:1-18.
The Psalms in the Bible are songs and hymns that were sung by the people of Israel. They employ the language of poetry to express the whole range of human emotions. Some of the psalms are also prophetic in that they reflect the emotional state of the psalmist while pointing to future events. Psalm 22 is such a psalm. King David’s raw emotion helps us enter into the reality of Jesus’ suffering.
Take a moment to meditate on Psalm 22:1-18. Pray it out loud to Jesus and allow him to speak to you in any way he chooses through the words.
Read John 19:23-24 again noticing anything new that stands out to you.
Though John does not include the opening words of Psalm 22 in his Gospel, both Matthew and Mark do. John instead zeroes in on the fulfillment of King David’s prophetic words in Psalm 22:18, “They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice [cast lots] for my clothing.” John wants us to know that the entire story of Scripture points to the man now hanging on a Roman cross. Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophecy concerning the Messiah and concerning God’s rescue plan for rebellious, lost humanity.
The Bible was written by around 40 different human authors writing over a period of about 1000 years, and yet it is a cohesive story of God’s love and faithfulness to the created world and, in particular, to people.
Stop to contemplate this for a moment. What thoughts or feelings arise as you think about God’s big story of redemption and rescue? What questions arise?
For the last few minutes of this time of meditation, talk to Jesus sharing your emotions, thoughts and questions freely with him. If at any point you sense him inviting you to do something, make a note of it and take a first step today.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
