The Psalms Reveal Him: A Holy Saturday Reflection

Who is Jesus, really?

That question echoes through the silence of Holy Saturday. The cross has already happened. The tomb is sealed. It feels like the end. But the Scriptures continue to speak. And the Psalms, written centuries before Jesus walked the earth, whisper truth: Jesus was always the plan.

We’ve walked through this series by listening to the words of Moses, the voices of the prophets - and now we turn to the Psalms.

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Psalm 22:1)

"They pierced My hands and My feet." (Psalm 22:16)

"They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots." (Psalm 22:18)

These weren’t just moments at the cross. They were fulfillments of promises written long before. Jesus wasn’t quoting Psalm 22 on the cross by coincidence. He was fulfilling it. Every line fulfilled to the letter - not just in words, but in His body, His suffering, and His final cry.

Psalm 2 speaks of kings and rulers plotting against the Lord and His Anointed. That same verse is echoed in Acts 4 when Peter and John declare that Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people had fulfilled that very Scripture in standing against Jesus. The rage wasn’t random. The crucifixion wasn’t chance. It was foretold.

Psalm 8:2 declares, "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants, You have ordained praise." When the children cried out in the temple, praising Jesus, the Pharisees were offended. But Jesus responded with this Psalm, affirming that even the smallest voices knew who He was.

Psalm 16 speaks of a hope beyond death: "You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Psalm 16:10) Peter quoted this on the day of Pentecost, pointing to Jesus’ resurrection. (Acts 2:25–31)

Even the details of the crucifixion are hidden in the Psalms:

"All those who see Me ridicule Me... 'He trusted in the Lord; let Him deliver Him.'" (Psalm 22:7-8)

"They pierced My hands and My feet." (Psalm 22:16)

"They divide My garments among them." (Psalm 22:18)

"They hated Me without a cause." (Psalm 35:19)

Psalm 68:18 declares the victory to come: "You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men." Paul refers to this in Ephesians 4, reminding us that the risen Christ not only conquered death, but also gave gifts to His Church.

Every line in the Psalms leads us to the Cross, to Christ. He is not a symbol or story. He is the One the Scriptures revealed - the Christ, foretold and fulfilled.

As we sit in the silence of Holy Saturday, waiting for resurrection morning, let us remember:

If our foundation is Christ, we have nothing to fear. (Psalm 11:3; 1 Corinthians 3:11–15)

If our hope is in the Jesus the Word reveals, we will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

If our faith is in Him, we will be saved. (John 3:16)

He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even in the waiting, He is faithful.

Take heart - what was written is true. And what is true will never fail.