My God! My God! Why Have You Forsaken Me?

When we read the story of the crucifixion of Jesus, His words on the cross have perplexed and brought about discussion for centuries. It has been unclear as to why Jesus declared He felt forsaken by His Father. We know on the night Jesus was arrested, He had been praying diligently, and under such stress about the death He knew He was destined to fulfill, He sweat droplets of blood. This medical condition is called Hematidrosis, which means capillary blood vessels rupture due to extreme physical or emotional stress. Angels were present to minister to Jesus during this time; His greatest hour of need. He made the incredible choice to obey His Father, taking upon Himself the sins of the whole world. For God made Christ, Who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (II Corinthians 5:21, NLT). We cannot imagine the emotional torment He endured.

Remember, Jesus was 100% God but He was also 100% man. That is why the Scriptures can accurately say of Him, We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15, NIV). It can be argued that Jesus, in His humanness, was experiencing a feeling of abandonment. However, there is another, very plausible reason. It has to do with fulfilling Bible prophecy.

Surrounding the cross were Jesus’ accusers, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, learned religious men of the day who knew the Old Testament Scriptures exceedingly well. They knew the prophecies of the Messiah; they just didn’t believe Jesus was that person. When Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me,” (Psalm 22) He was pointing to prophecy that was being fulfilled right before their watchful eyes. This Psalm, which the religious scholars knew well, goes on to say, My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced My hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at Me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for My clothing. Is this why Jesus shouted out the first verse of the Psalm? Was He pointing to the reality that Psalm 22 was indeed about Him?

Even in His time of agonizing physical death and horrendous, emotional turmoil, was Jesus, in HIs perfect compassion, pointing His accusers to the truth of the cross, that through His death they could live? Jesus is the epitome of love. He is salvation; the only way to eternity in Heaven where death no longer exists and pain is a thing of the past. Jesus was demonstrating His love on the cross. He was declaring to all who would believe that He alone was the only one who could pay the penalty for our sin. He alone is the only way to eternal salvation. Just think, in the midst of the angry jeering of the crowd, Jesus was shouting out the biggest clue that indeed He is the Son of God.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, may this Easter weekend be a joyful reminder of His love and victory over death. If you have not received Jesus as your Savior, may this Easter weekend open your eyes to His love, and may you receive His magnificent gift of salvation. This gift is only a prayer away. Ask and receive His forgiveness of sin today, and have the most blessed Easter ever.