Preface

Favorite Psalms? Memorized?

“While the entire Holy Scripture is a teacher of virtues and of the truths of faith, the book of Psalms possesses somehow the perfect image for the soul’s course of life.” - Athanasius

“Most of all the psalms, read in light of the entire Bible, bring us to Jesus. The psalms were Jesus’s songbook. The hymn that Jesus sang at the Passover meal (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26) would have been the Great Hallel, Psalms 113–118. Indeed, there is every reason to assume that Jesus would have sung all the psalms, constantly, throughout his life, so that he knew them by heart. It is the book of the Bible that he quotes more than any other. But the psalms were not simply sung by Jesus; they also are about him” - Timothy Keller at Crosswalk

Jesus memorized the Psalms. They were “tunes” to him. Sung constantly, throughout his whole life. Each year walking up to Jerusalem, from the northern shores of the Galilee (about 80 miles) - a week or so - singing the 15 Psalms of Ascent for example. The "Psalms of Ascent," also known as "Songs of Ascents" or "Gradual Psalms," are a collection of 15 psalms (Psalms 120-134) that were traditionally sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the major festivals. These psalms are believed to have been sung as the pilgrims physically ascended to the Temple Mount. The term "ascent" refers to the physical climb, but also to the spiritual elevation involved in their journey towards God and His temple. (we read them….didn’t know the tune)

Outline: Jesus’ References to the Psalms

Objective: To explore as in a SURVEY COURSE :

(1) Jesus’ references to the Psalms,

(2) their doctrinal significance, and

(3) how they apply to Christian living.

TOO MUCH to cover!

(Titanic - full speed ahead - iceberg - just the tip. Hope our hull doesn’t rip and we all drown. Paul mentioned last week that 4 pages was normal and he had 5 pages so we had to “listen fast” last week. To maintain the Titanic allusion, we are doomed……I have 13 pages of notes to steer us thru. 👏

Introduction

Purpose: What are some reasons the Psalms are relevant?

Key Points:

The Psalms were central to Jewish worship and theology, forming a backdrop for Jesus’ teaching and ministry.

Authorship - ⅔ “known” authorship:

50% written by David (75 of them).
8% written by Asaph (12 - Ps 50, Ps 73-83),
7% written by sons of Korah (11 - Ps 42,44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88),
Solomon (2 - Ps 72, Ps 127),
Moses (1 - Ps 90)
Various “prophesying and seers” (they convey God’s own words) 1 Chron 25:1-5

Allusions

In the same way we make allusions or references to TV dialogues, or Movie characters & locations, or historic events (eg. Titanic) OR (Snippets from TV or Movies) they are embedded in our culture and give us INSTANT mental pictures of place, of characters, of theme, of PLOT, of message (and this class banters often - engrained in us - Festus, Barney Fife, etc, etc,) allusions are SHORTHAND (not Gregg’s shorthand?) creating a SHORTCUT that engages our minds with DEEPER UNDERSTANDING - COMPREHENSION - If you don’t get the allusion, you don’t get the complete meaning. The complete picture. When you don’t get the allusion, its like a 19” black and white TV image with a tinny speaker right below the tv dial (that you had to get up off the sofa to change!) compared to remote control 75” HD video with Dolby surround sound. No comparison.

Many drives home after Sunday School, I’ve got a lot of questions to ask Janice about the lesson. All this TV and Movie and Culture banter in this class and I’m completely clueless. Father was career military and we lived most of our formative years in Europe where the only TV was Armed Forces TV - 1 channel. And for whatever reason, I didn’t watch that one channel. So I’m a little black and white TV and need Janice’s help with the 75” HD because she’s seen them all and knows exactly what the allusion is about - and she explains it to me.

The PSALMS are like this when Jesus quotes them more than a dozen different times and when Paul quotes them more than 30 times.

AND not only are they “just” words……they’re MUSIC too ….

Songs - Hymns - triggers memories - Tune/method of memorization

(Hymnal - bring one - Amazing Grace v3 or 4 for example - what are the words?....hum it out….Just as I Am…same thing)
What if each of the Psalms had a “tune” that we knew today. Sang every Sunday. Rotated thru our whole life? We would have it memorized. And we would be able to quote it in application to LIFE events that we encountered. It would be a source of strength, wisdom, comfort, encouragement, revelation and WITNESS to all who heard.

Thus the Psalms in part, provide Insight into feelings / motives / behind the scenes when Jesus speaks - Sure, there’s the surface application but there’s also a soul application - an allusion to depth / to a fullness of expression - that we miss if we don’t understand or incorporate the Psalm that is being quoted.
The Jewish people immediately knew the fullness of the backstory allusion when Jesus quotes the Psalms. The setting. The doctrine. The history. The “complete picture” (Messiah, for example). They all knew them. It was an integral part of their culture and of course, their religion.

Example: Peter (a simple fisherman): Acts 2:25-58 —->Ps 16:8-11
Example: Peter (a simple “uneducated” fisherman): Acts 2:30-35—>Ps 110:1
Example: Mary (a teenage country girl synthesizes multiple Psalms into a comprehensive Song of Praise : Luke 1:49—>Ps111:9C (not convinced?....read further

Luke 1:50—>Ps 103:17 (need more? … read further
Luke 1:53—>Ps 107:9 (yet?)
Luke 1:54—> Ps 98:3

Likewise Zechariah’s Prophecy quotes Psalms extensively…but we would expect a learned priest to do so
Example Steven (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, quotes to the crowd in context: Acts 7:46—>Ps 132:5 and Acts 7:49—>Ps 11:4
Paul extensively (Rom 3:10-14 —-> Ps 14:2-3, 53:2, 5:10, 140:3, 10:7
Example: Triumphal Entry - the crowds in front and following: Mt 21:9 —> Ps 118:26

PUT ALL THAT IN A TABLE FORM - EASIER TO COMPREHEND
Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, often referenced the Psalms to reveal His identity, mission, and teachings.
This study will examine specific instances, their doctrinal truths (what they teach about God, Christ, and salvation), and applications for living a faithful Christian life.

Engagement: {Ask the class,} “Have you ever noticed how often Jesus quotes the Psalms to explain who He is or what He’s doing?” He quotes Psalms more often than any other book of the Bible.

Jesus Quotes the Psalms on at least 13 Occasions

#1 - Matthew 21:12-17 (Jesus Cleanses the Temple after Triumphal Entry) quotes Ps 8:2

#2 - Matthew 22:41-45 [Mk12:36 14:62] (Whose Son is the Christ?) quotes Ps 110:1
#3 - Matthew 27:46 (Death of Jesus) quotes Ps 22:1

#4 - Luke 23:46 (Death of Jesus) quotes Ps 31:5

#5 & #6 - John 15:25 (Jesus hated without cause) quotes Ps 35:19 and Ps 69:4

#7 - John 13:18 (Passover - Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet) quotes Ps 41:9

#8 - John 6:31 (I am the Bread of Life) quotes Ps 78:24

#9 - John 10:34 (I and the Father are One) quotes Ps 82:6

#10 - Matthew 26:64 (Jesus before Caiaphas and the Council) quotes Ps 110:1

#11 - Matthew 21:42 (Jesus the Chief Cornerstone) quotes Ps 118:22-23

#12 - Matthew 23:39 (Lament over Jerusalem) quotes Ps 118:26

#13 - Matthew 26:30 (Hymn sung at Passover meal) would have been Psalm 113-118 (OR Psalm 136) “The Great Hallel”
Transition: “Let’s dive into some of the specific moments where Jesus quotes or alludes to the Psalms, starting with His use of Psalm 110.”

Section 1: Instances of Jesus Referencing the Psalms

This section covers key instances where Jesus explicitly or implicitly references the Psalms, based on New Testament accounts. Each instance includes the context and the Psalm referenced.

Psalm 110:1 – Jesus as the Messianic Lord

Instance: Matthew 22:41–46 (also Mark 12:35–37, Luke 20:41–44)

Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ understanding of the Messiah by quoting Psalm 110:1: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.’” [EXPAND THIS TO HAVE COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING - USED OFTEN IN NT] (list 8 other instances: (Matt. 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69; Acts 5:31; 7:55–56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1)) (most often quoted Psalm in all of New Testament)
Context: Jesus uses this Psalm to affirm His divine identity as both David’s son and Lord. (Rev 22:16)

In Matthew 22:45, Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees, challenging their understanding of the Messiah. He asks: "If David calls him Lord, how is he his son?" This question is based on Psalm 110:1, where David addresses the Messiah as "Lord." Jesus uses this Scripture to highlight the contradiction in the Pharisees' belief that the Messiah would only be a descendant of David, and not also a figure of higher authority, akin to the Lord Himself.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the commentary:

After taking down the Sadduccees, the Pharisees gather up and take a crack….
The Paradox:
The Pharisees expected the Messiah to be a human descendant of David, a political leader, and a figure of power, but not necessarily Lord (Divine). Jesus' question points out that if David calls the Messiah "Lord," then how can he also be David's son in the sense of a descendant? This poses a theological dilemma for them.
The Divine Nature of the Messiah:
Jesus' question leads to the understanding that the Messiah, or Christ, is not merely a human descendant but has a higher, divine nature. By calling him "Lord," David acknowledges a superior, eternal figure.
The Pharisees' Silence:
The Pharisees are unable to answer Jesus' question, demonstrating their failure to grasp the true nature of the Messiah and the Scriptures.
Relevance to Jesus' Identity:
This passage is significant because it establishes Jesus as both the Son of David (in a lineage sense) and the Lord (in a divine sense), thus reinforcing the concept of Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.

Doctrinal Truth:

Affirms Jesus’ divinity and Messianic authority as the exalted Lord seated at God’s right hand.
Points to the Trinity: God (the Lord) speaks to the Messiah (Jesus, David’s Lord). Identifies

Application:

Recognize Jesus’ supreme authority in your life; submit to Him as Lord.
Trust in His ultimate victory over evil (“enemies under His feet”). LIST THEM (SIN, DEATH 1 Cor. 15:25)

Psalm 118:19–24 – The Rejected Stone

Instance: Matthew 21:42 (also Mark 12:10–11, Luke 20:17)

Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22–23 after the Parable of the Tenants: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
Context: Jesus applies this to Himself, rejected by religious leaders but chosen by God.

Doctrinal Truth:

Jesus is the foundation of God’s redemptive plan, despite human rejection.
God’s purposes prevail over human opposition.

Application:

Build your life on Christ as the cornerstone through faith and obedience. (! Cor 3:10-15)
Embrace God’s perspective when facing rejection for your faith. (Mt 21:44)

Psalm 22:1 – The Cry of Forsakenness

Instance: Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34

On the cross, Jesus cries, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” quoting Psalm 22:1. (a few words - shorthand for an entire chapter - so very RICH…. Behind the scenes - full image now)
Context: Jesus expresses the weight of bearing humanity’s sin, fulfilling the Psalm’s prophecy.

Doctrinal Truth:

Jesus’ substitutionary atonement: He bore the penalty of sin, experiencing separation from God for us.
Fulfills Messianic prophecy, showing Jesus as the suffering servant.

Application:

Trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
In times of feeling abandoned, remember Jesus endured ultimate forsakenness for you.

Psalm 31:5 – Commending His Spirit

Instance: Luke 23:46

Jesus says, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” quoting Psalm 31:5, as He dies.
Context: This reflects Jesus’ trust in God at the moment of death.

Doctrinal Truth:

Jesus’ complete trust in the Father, even in death, models perfect faith.
His death was a voluntary act of obedience, securing salvation.

Application:

Entrust your life and future to God, especially in moments of crisis.
Live with confidence in God’s care, as Jesus did.

Other Allusions

Examples:

Psalm 41:9 in John 13:18 (betrayal by a friend, applied to Judas).
Psalm 8:2 in Matthew 21:16 (praise from children during the Triumphal Entry).

Doctrinal Truth:

The Psalms prophetically point to Jesus’ life, death, and mission.
Jesus fulfills Old Testament Scripture as the promised Messiah.

Application:

See the Psalms as pointing to Christ; read them with a Christ-centered lens.
Apply their truths to deepen your worship and trust in God’s plan.

Transition: “These instances show how Jesus used the Psalms to reveal His identity and mission. Now, let’s explore the broader doctrinal truths these references teach us.”

Section 2: Doctrinal Truths SUMMARIZED from Jesus’ Use of the Psalms

Purpose: Highlight the theological significance of Jesus’ references to the Psalms.
Key Doctrinal Truths:

Christology :

Jesus is the divine Messiah (Psalm 110:1) and God’s Son (Psalm 82:6).
He is the rejected yet exalted cornerstone (Psalm 118:22–23) and the suffering servant (Psalm 22:1).
Application: Worship Jesus as fully God and fully human, the center of God’s redemptive plan.

Atonement and Salvation:

Psalm 22:1 and Psalm 31:5 highlight Jesus’ substitutionary death and trust in God, securing salvation.
Application: Trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross for forgiveness and eternal life.

Fulfillment of Scripture

Jesus’ use of the Psalms shows He fulfills Old Testament prophecy, proving His Messianic role.
Application: Study the Old Testament to see Christ’s story woven throughout, strengthening faith.

Engagement: “These truths aren’t just theological—they shape how we live. Let’s see how.”

Section 3: Religious Life Applications

Purpose: Connect Jesus’ use of the Psalms to practical Christian living.
Applications:

Deepen Your Trust in Christ :

Jesus’ trust in God (Psalm 31:5) and endurance in suffering (Psalm 22:1) model reliance on God.
Practice: In trials, pray the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 23) to find comfort and strength in God.
This gut-wrenching question, where on the first reading it seems that our Savior is experiencing total despair, we soon see that He is as faithful to the Father as always. He is still quoting Scripture, and still trusting in the power of God’s Word.
Jesus gives us an important example: we can trust the Psalms to help us articulate what we are feeling in our hearts and our souls. Jesus saw this psalm as fitting to express His suffering, and we should trust the psalms as fitting to express our longings, pains, and trouble

Build Your Life on Christ the Cornerstone :

Psalm 118:22 calls us to make Jesus the foundation of our lives.
Practice: Align decisions, relationships, and priorities with Jesus’ teachings.

Engage with Scripture :

Jesus’ use of the Psalms shows their power to reveal truth and guide faith.
Practice: Regularly read and meditate on the Psalms, seeing and relying on Christ in them.

Proclaim Jesus’ Lordship:

Psalm 110:1 calls us to recognize and share Jesus’ authority.
Practice: Share your faith boldly, trusting Jesus’ victory over all opposition.

Engagement: “Which of these applications resonates most with you today? How can you apply the Psalms in your walk with Christ?”

Conclusion

Summary:

Jesus’ references to Psalms (e.g., 110, 118, 22, 31, 82) reveal His identity as the divine Messiah, the cornerstone, and the suffering servant who fulfills Scripture.
These references teach core doctrines: Jesus’ divinity, atonement, and fulfillment of prophecy.
They call us to trust Christ, build our lives on Him, engage with Scripture, and proclaim His Lordship.

Closing Challenge: “This week, read one of the Psalms Jesus quoted (like Psalm 22 or 118) and reflect on how it points to Him. Let it shape your worship and actions THIS week.”