The Psalms constitute a wonderful resource for all experiences and emotions. Here, the gospel writers highlight powerful expressions of pain and sorrow. These three quotations are amongst a series of statements made by Christ and about Christ. Many a sermon has been preached on them.
22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
Here is the deep anguish of a victim, suffering agony of which we can barely comprehend. Significantly, the gospel writers are quite reserved about the physical sufferings of Christ. The Psalm (see v14-17) is more descriptive. The gospel writers seem to be leaving space for the apostles to add their explanation of what was happening unseen.
69:21 They gave me poison for food,
and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.
This is another Psalm of lament (probably the most common theme in the Psalms). The writer, again David, vividly describes his pain and shame. In the preceding verse, there is despair, without pity and without comforters.
Jesus needed food, but was given poison. He needed water but was given sour wine. He was alone, with no relief of his agonies.
31 5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;
you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.
And, nearing the end; Jesus’ hours on the cross come to a conclusion; He speaks a word of utter reliance on His Father.
In the face of apparent defeat for the Messiah and victory for His enemies, the cry is not of defiance, nor even triumph, although that had already come; ‘It is finished!’ The Son trust in the Father. He confidently commits Himself to His Father. He is no longer ‘forsaken,’ but secure.