The way this ancient psalm predicts and details the crucifixion is remarkable. Let's look at some of the excerpts from Psalm 22 and show the parallels to the cross.
1) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Psalm 22:1a)
The words in the very first line of Psalm 22 are the exact same words that Jesus said on the cross! (Matthew 27:46)
2) But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. (Psalm 22:6)
Luke 23:31: But they kept shouting, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"
3) All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. (Psalm 22:7)
Luke 23:36a: The soldiers also came up and mocked him.
4) “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” (Psalm 22:8)
Matthew 27:43: "He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
5) Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. (Psalm 22:13)
Matthew 27:26b: But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
6) I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. (Psalm 22:14)
John 19:34: Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
7) My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. (Psalm 22:15)
John 19:28: Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”
8) Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. (Psalm 22:16)
Mark 15:25: It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.
9) They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. (Psalm 22:18)
Matthew 27:35:When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
10) They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it! (Psalm 22:31)
This last verse proclaims victorious triumph -- mission accomplished! It reminds me of the words that Jesus said in John 19:30, "It is finished." Although Psalm 22 starts out in distress, it ends with a declaration of worship and praise. The ending of Psalm 22 is a prophecy of the lasting effect of Christ's sacrifice, the good news of the gospel, extending to us even today, and to those people yet unborn.
One more thing. Jesus certainly knew this psalm, and on the cross in His agony, quoted verse 1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", relating to it, expressing it, feeling it, fulfilling it, and living in out in real time. Amazing.
