Psalm 22 is a journey from the depths of grief and suffering to the last triumphal proclaim. Jesus knew the entire psalm by heart and understood it as a prophecy of his own death but also a prophecy of hope and victory in the end. He applied many of its verses to himself. Jesus' death on the cross was not a private matter between him and God. It had profound public implications for everyone. His resurrection from the dead proves that he has conquered death and offers hope to us all. The Bible is clear that there will be a future life where everyone who has ever lived will receive justice from a righteous judge. Some people think this means after we die, nothing happens then we are gone forever. But the Bible says otherwise: "But someone will call out from the city, 'Here I am! I can help you!' " (Luke 19:14). In other words, there is a final judgment after we die and some people will be reunited with loved ones here and now others will not. However, those who have never heard about Jesus will still be punished for their sins after they die because God is always just. So Jesus' death on the cross was not a wasted effort. It provided salvation for everyone and guarantees a glorious future for all who believe in him.