Today’s Reading: Psalm 22:14–18; John 19:23–24

Before reading, pray together and ask the Holy Spirit to help your family understand the depth of Jesus’ love and the marvel of God’s long-planned rescue.

Today’s Big Truth:

God foretold Jesus’ suffering long before it happened, showing the depth of His love for us.

Psalm 22 is one of the most remarkable and heartbreaking prophecies in the Bible. Written by King David hundreds of years before Jesus was born, it describes a scene of intense suffering:

“My life is poured out like water…

 My hands and feet have been pierced.”

 — Psalm 22:14, 16 (NLT)

At the time David wrote this, crucifixion didn’t even exist—not as a punishment, not as an idea, not as a method of execution. And yet the details in this psalm match the crucifixion of Jesus with astonishing accuracy.

The psalm goes on to say:

“They divide my garments among themselves

 and throw dice for my clothing.”

 — Psalm 22:18 (NLT)

It is as though God allowed David to see ahead—to catch a glimpse of the Savior who would suffer for the sins of the world.

Pointing to Jesus: Prophecy Fulfilled at the Cross

When Jesus was crucified, the soldiers cast lots to decide who would get His clothing. John tells us:

“This fulfilled the Scripture that says,

 ‘They divided my garments among them,

 and they cast lots for my clothing.’”

 — John 19:24 (NLT)

Jesus’ pierced hands and feet…

 His suffering surrounded by enemies…

 The soldiers gambling for His garments…

All of it happened exactly as God had spoken long before.

This teaches us something beautiful:

• Jesus’ sacrifice was not random—it was God’s plan.
• God knew what it would cost to save us, and He sent His Son anyway.
• Jesus willingly walked into suffering because His love for us is deep, strong, and unshakable.

When we look at Psalm 22 and then at the cross, we see a love story written across centuries—a story of rescue that began long before Bethlehem.

Truth for Today

• God’s rescue plan was in motion long before Jesus was born.
• Jesus fulfilled every prophecy with perfect love.
• God’s love reaches us even in our deepest need.

Family Discussion Questions

• How does it impact you to know God planned Jesus’ sacrifice long before it happened?
• What does this show you about how far God’s love is willing to go?