Matthew 27:46: How can we understand these words of Jesus about being forsaken by God?

  

Matthew 27:46 – "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’"  

These words of Jesus, spoken from the cross, are among the most profound and mysterious in all of Scripture. They echo Psalm 22:1, a psalm of lament that expresses deep suffering yet ultimately points to hope and vindication.  

 Understanding Jesus' Cry  

A Cry of Despair and Human Suffering  

   - In this moment, Jesus fully experiences the depths of human suffering. He does not merely endure physical pain but also the agony of separation from the Father as He bears the weight of the world's sin.  

   - His words reflect genuine anguish, showing that He identifies completely with human pain, abandonment, and the feeling of divine silence.  

The Weight of Sin and Divine Judgment  

   - Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). As He bore the sins of humanity, He endured the separation from God that sin brings. This was not because the Father had literally abandoned Him, but because, in taking on sin, Jesus experienced the judgment that sin deserves.  

   - This moment highlights the full impact of evil—not just in human suffering but in its ultimate consequence: separation from God.  

God’s Willingness to Be Touched by Evil  

   - The crucifixion is the ultimate instance of how evil touches God. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly enters into human suffering, taking upon Himself the worst that evil can do—betrayal, injustice, torture, and death.  

   - This shows that God does not remain distant from suffering but intimately experiences it. The cross is where divine justice and mercy meet, as God Himself endures the effects of sin to bring salvation.  

Jesus' cry from the cross is a powerful expression of how deeply evil and suffering impacted Him. Yet, His suffering was not in vain—it was the means through which redemption was secured. His words remind us that even in the darkest moments, God has a plan, and through Christ's suffering, victory over sin and death was ultimately achieved.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil