What is the significance of Jesus saying 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' on the cross?

When Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" from the cross, as recorded in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, it was a moment of profound theological and emotional significance. This cry, uttered in Aramaic, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1. Understanding this statement requires delving into its Old Testament context, its immediate context on the cross, and its broader theological implications.

Firstly, it's essential to recognize that Jesus was quoting Psalm 22, a psalm attributed to David. Psalm 22 begins with a cry of abandonment but moves through a narrative of suffering, trust in God, and ultimately, deliverance and vindication. By invoking the opening line of this psalm, Jesus was not merely expressing a feeling of abandonment but also identifying with the righteous sufferer described therein. This psalm foreshadows the suffering of the Messiah and ends on a note of triumph and hope, which would have been familiar to the Jewish audience present at the crucifixion.

In the immediate context of the crucifixion, Jesus' cry of abandonment reflects the intense physical, emotional, and spiritual agony He was experiencing. The crucifixion was not only a method of execution but also a form of public humiliation designed to inflict maximum suffering. Jesus, who was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), took upon Himself the sins of the world (1 Peter 2:24). In doing so, He experienced the full weight of God's wrath against sin. This moment of separation from the Father was unprecedented, as Jesus had always enjoyed perfect communion with Him. Theologians often describe this as a moment of divine forsakenness, where Jesus bore the penalty for humanity's sin, experiencing the separation from God that sin causes.

Theologically, this cry highlights the gravity of sin and the extent of Jesus' sacrifice. Sin separates humanity from God (Isaiah 59:2), and Jesus, in His role as the sacrificial Lamb, took on that separation on our behalf. This moment underscores the cost of redemption and the depth of God's love for humanity. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus' experience of forsakenness was necessary for the reconciliation of humanity with God.

Moreover, this cry from the cross fulfills Old Testament prophecy and demonstrates Jesus' messianic identity. Psalm 22, which begins with the cry of abandonment, contains several elements that are explicitly fulfilled in the crucifixion narrative. For example, Psalm 22:16-18 describes the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for clothing, both of which are detailed in the Gospel accounts of Jesus' crucifixion (John 19:23-24). By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus was pointing to the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies in His own suffering and death.

Jesus' cry also serves as a profound expression of His humanity. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as fully God and fully man. His cry of abandonment reflects the genuine human emotions of anguish and desolation. This moment on the cross reveals the depth of Jesus' identification with human suffering. As the author of Hebrews notes, "For 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). Jesus' experience of forsakenness assures believers that He understands their suffering and is present with them in their darkest moments.

Furthermore, this cry from the cross has profound implications for Christian discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The experience of suffering and abandonment is not foreign to the Christian life. Jesus' cry reminds believers that they may also experience times of feeling forsaken or distant from God. However, just as Jesus' suffering led to resurrection and victory, so too can the suffering of believers lead to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. The apostle Paul reflects this in Romans 8:17, where he writes, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

In addition, Jesus' cry of abandonment offers hope and assurance to believers. While the cry itself is a moment of intense anguish, it is not the end of the story. The resurrection of Jesus three days later demonstrates that God did not ultimately forsake Him. This vindication assures believers that God's purposes prevail even in the darkest moments. As Paul declares in Romans 8:38-39, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Finally, Jesus' cry on the cross invites believers to a deeper trust in God's faithfulness. Just as Psalm 22 moves from a cry of abandonment to a declaration of trust and praise, so too can believers move from moments of despair to renewed faith in God's promises. The psalmist declares, "For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help" (Psalm 22:24). This assurance of God's presence and faithfulness encourages believers to hold fast to their faith, even in times of suffering and uncertainty.

In conclusion, Jesus' cry of "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" on the cross is a multifaceted declaration that encompasses fulfillment of prophecy, the gravity of sin, the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, His identification with human suffering, and the hope of resurrection. It invites believers to reflect on the cost of their redemption, to trust in God's faithfulness, and to find solace in the knowledge that Jesus understands and shares in their suffering. This profound moment on the cross continues to resonate with Christians, offering both a sobering reminder of the price of sin and a hopeful assurance of God's unending love and ultimate victory over death.