How Psalm 22 connects to the Crucifixion | N.T. Wright Online

Summary

This script delves into the theological paradox of the crucifixion, where Jesus, perceived as the epitome of divinity, cries out in abandonment. It challenges the traditional view of an omnipotent God by highlighting the human suffering of Jesus, suggesting a profound divine sacrifice. The narrative underscores the necessity of a robust Trinitarian doctrine to reconcile the divine and human natures of Jesus, emphasizing the crucifixion as the ultimate revelation of God's love. The script invites contemplation on the depth of God's covenant love, even amidst the apparent divine forsaking on the cross.

Takeaways

• 🕊️ The concept of divinity and humanity is deeply intertwined, suggesting that abstract categories of the divine have always been present within human nature.
• ⏰ The crucifixion narrative, particularly the darkness at noon and Jesus' cry from Psalm 22:1, presents a paradox that challenges traditional views of an omnipotent and perfect God.
• 🤔 The difficulty in reconciling the idea of a supreme and perfect God with the human suffering and perceived abandonment on the cross has led to various theological interpretations.
• 📜 The scriptural references, especially from Psalm 22 and the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, are central to understanding the theological puzzle of God's presence and absence during the crucifixion.
• 👨‍🏫 The challenge posed by the Gospels is to understand how Jesus, as the embodiment of God (Emmanuel), can experience forsakenness, which requires a nuanced understanding of the divine nature.
• 🔄 The concept of the Trinity is introduced as a theological framework to help explain the complex relationship between the Father, the Son, and the act of crucifixion.
• ❤️ The cross is presented as the ultimate revelation of God's love, suggesting that the Old Testament God of covenant love is revealed in a new and profound way through the sacrifice of Jesus.
• 🌟 The shock and the earthquake mentioned in the script symbolize the magnitude of the event, indicating a deep cosmic significance and a moment of divine rupture.
• 🙏 The willingness of Jesus to submit to God's will, as expressed in Gethsemane, contrasts with his human desire to avoid suffering, highlighting the complexity of his divine and human natures.
• 🔑 The script invites a deeper reflection on the nature of God, the meaning of the crucifixion, and the implications for our understanding of divinity and humanity.

Q & A

What is the significance of the phrase 'Heaven and earth divinity and humanity' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'Heaven and earth divinity and humanity' signifies the unity and interconnection between the divine and the human realms, highlighting the script's focus on the incarnation of God in human form, particularly in the context of the crucifixion.

Why is the crucifixion described as an 'extraordinary irony' in the script?

The crucifixion is described as an 'extraordinary irony' because it represents the moment when the divine, all-powerful God becomes human and experiences abandonment and suffering, which contradicts the typical understanding of God's omnipotence and perfection.

What does the script suggest about the nature of God based on the crucifixion?

The script suggests that God, in becoming human and experiencing the crucifixion, embodies a paradoxical nature that challenges traditional views of divine omnipotence and perfection, revealing a depth of love and sacrifice that is central to the Christian understanding of God.

Why did Jesus cry out 'Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani?' during the crucifixion?

Jesus cried out 'Eloi Eloi lama sabachthani' (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) as a reference to Psalm 22:1, expressing the depth of his suffering and the feeling of abandonment he experienced during the crucifixion.

What is the theological challenge posed by the crucifixion as described in the script?

The theological challenge posed by the crucifixion is reconciling the idea of an all-powerful, perfect God with the experience of suffering and abandonment on the cross, which requires a nuanced understanding of the nature of God and the concept of the Trinity.

How do the Gospels of Mark and Matthew contribute to the understanding of Jesus' divinity in the script?

The Gospels of Mark and Matthew contribute to the understanding of Jesus' divinity by emphasizing his humanity and the incarnation, with Mark describing the baptism and Matthew highlighting Jesus as 'Emmanuel,' God with us, suggesting a divine presence in human form.

What does the script imply about the relationship between the Old Testament God and the God revealed in the crucifixion?

The script implies that the God of the Old Testament, characterized by covenant love and creation, is the same God revealed in the crucifixion, showing the depth of divine love and the cost of engaging with humanity in a covenant relationship.

Why is the concept of the Trinity important in understanding the crucifixion according to the script?

The concept of the Trinity is important in understanding the crucifixion because it allows for a nuanced view of God that accommodates the paradox of the divine and human natures of Jesus, and the apparent division between the Father and the Son on the cross.

What is the significance of the earthquake mentioned in the script in relation to the crucifixion?

The earthquake mentioned in the script signifies a cosmic disturbance or shock that mirrors the spiritual and emotional turmoil of the crucifixion, suggesting a profound disruption in the natural order as a response to the divine sacrifice.

How does the script interpret Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane in relation to his crucifixion?

The script interprets Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane as a moment of deep human longing to be spared from the crucifixion, yet his submission to the divine will ('not what I will but what you will') demonstrates his commitment to the divine plan despite personal suffering.