The Old Rugged Cross
July 6, 2025
Jesus screamed out the opening words of Psalm 22 from the cross. Written by King David, it describes a time when he was publicly humiliated and executed. It also explains how his humiliation led to the redemption of all nations. But there's one problem: this never actually happened to King David. Jewish readers couldn't understand what this Psalm was about until the death of Jesus on the cross. Listen in on track 3 of the Summer Psalms Mixtape as we explore the mystery of Psalm 22.
The Mysteries of Psalm 22:
- The mysterious way David is ##treated##.
- The mysterious way David ##submits## to this treatment
- The mysterious ##absence## ##of## ##God##
The Solution to the Mystery
- Jesus’ Boundless ##Suffering##.
- Jesus’ Boundless ##Faithfulness##.
- A Boundless ##Redemption##.
What Psalm 22 means for Us:
- Our Personal ##Transformation##.
- Our Experience of ##Suffering##.
- Our Feeling that God Sometimes ##Abandons## ##Us##.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
Practicing the Way 06
HANGOUT
Jesus said, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ Jesus compared sin to a disease and Himself to a healer. Because of this, early followers of Jesus called Him the ‘doctor of the soul.’ A vital part of our walk with Christ involves healing from sin—both our own and the effects of others’ sins. Share an example of when you’ve experienced Jesus as a “doctor for your soul.”
HEAR
Read Mark 2.17; I John 1.19; James 5.16
- What do you think about how God views you and your sin?
- As you reflect on patterns of sin in your life, what attachments or idols are you holding onto in your search for happiness?
- In light of this teaching, what actions might God be calling you to pursue for healing?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness from, including God?
HUDDLE
“We heal from sin by coming out of hiding.”
What stirs within you as you consider the idea of confession? Is there someone who comes to mind as you consider practicing confession? What is your next step in this practice? When we name our sin or shame with a trusted friend, we can experience a deeper healing.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Psalm 17 & 18
- Day 2: Psalm 19 - 21
- Day 3: Psalm 22 - 24
- Day 4: Psalm 25 - 27
- Day 5: Psalm 28 - 31
- Day 6: Psalm 32 - 35
- Day 7: Psalm 36 - 39
Passage to Memorize: Psalm 22:1
Think Deeper
- Can you think of a time when you felt that God had abandoned you?
- In your experience, which is harder, physical or emotional pain?
- How does Jesus’ suffering on the cross impact your experience with suffering?
Suggested Resources
Reflections on the Psalms, by C. S. Lewis
The Songs of Jesus, by Tim Keller
Psalms (Kinder Classic Commentaries), by Derek Kinder
One Year Bible Book of Psalms, by William Petersen and Randy Petersen
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.