Why Did Jesus Say “Why Have You Forsaken?”
Today we will talk about why did Jesus say “Why have You forsaken?” Many Christians do not know what this means. It is a question that reflects the deepest despair and feelings of abandonment. This phrase was uttered by Jesus during His crucifixion, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. The significance of this statement resonates with many believers, hinting at the weight of sin and the intensity of His sacrifice for humanity. As we reflect on this solemn statement, let’s unpack the meanings behind it, exploring the Hebrew and Greek language, the historical views, and—most importantly—the powerful Scriptures that give clarity to this poignant moment in history. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Understanding the Phrase
The cry “Why have You forsaken Me?” appears in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. In these passages, Jesus, while hanging on the cross during the final moments of His life, calls out to God with a sense of abandonment. This phrase is a direct quote from Psalm 22:1. In Hebrew, “forsaken” translates to “azab,” which means to abandon or leave behind. In the Greek language, the term used is “egkataleipō,” which carries a similar meaning of leaving or forsaking. This suggests a significant separation from God, a feeling of being utterly alone amidst suffering.
Historically, this expression reveals Jesus fulfilling prophecy. Psalm 22 is often regarded as a messianic psalm that foretells the suffering of the Messiah. In essence, Jesus’s cry reflects His identification with human suffering and distress. It amplifies the reality of His humanity—showing that even in His moment of greatest agony, He experienced feelings of abandonment. The historical setting of the crucifixion showcases the extreme physical, emotional, and spiritual torment He was enduring during this time.
As we reflect on this verse, it helps to remember that Jesus was not simply expressing despair; He was immersing Himself in the human experience. His utterance signifies more than just sorrow. It highlights His role as the Savior, who took upon Himself the sins of the world, and in doing so, experienced the separation from God that sin brings. This brings to light the weight of sin—a topic that resonates throughout the Scriptures.
The Symbolism of Abandonment
The moment when Jesus felt forsaken can be associated with the concept of atonement. When He cried out, what He was experiencing was not just personal anguish but the carrying of the sins of all humanity. Isaiah 53:6 states, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Here, we understand that Jesus took upon Himself the burden of our transgressions and the separation from God that comes as a consequence of those sins.
This cry gives us a glimpse of how sin impacts relationships—especially our relationship with God. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Jesus’s feeling of being forsaken highlights the gap sin creates. Sin creates distance and separation, which is most powerfully seen in the emotional impact it had on Jesus at that moment. By embodying the depth of abandonment, Jesus invites us to contemplate the seriousness of sin and the high cost of redemption.
Furthermore, this moment highlights the theme of sacrificial love. John 15:13 proclaims, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus displayed the ultimate expression of love—not only through His suffering but also in feeling that separation from God. His cry signifies His deep anguish, yet it also reflects His obedience and willingness to fulfill God’s plan for humanity’s redemption, as described in Philippians 2:8, which states, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
The Impact on Believers
For many believers, Jesus saying “Why have You forsaken Me?” resonates on a profound level. In times of trials or struggles, how often do we feel alone? How often do we cry out to God wondering if He has abandoned us? This statement serves as a reminder that Jesus understands our suffering. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “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.” Jesus’s moment of forsakenness shows that He intimately understands our feelings of abandonment.
Additionally, this moment also brings hope. The complete story of the crucifixion doesn’t end at Jesus’s cry of despair. After the forsakenness comes resurrection, glory, and restoration. Romans 8:38-39 comforts us with the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Thus, while Jesus experienced a moment of abandonment as He bore our sins, it’s crucial to remember that this was part of a larger plan to reconcile us back to God.
When we encounter our struggles, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus not only understands our cries for help but also conquered the separation caused by sin. His resurrection signifies that no matter what we face, there is victory, hope, and a promise of never being forsaken by Him. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” In times of distress, we can cling to these promises, knowing our Savior walks beside us.
An Invitation to Reflect
In closing this exploration of Jesus’s cry, I encourage you to reflect on the meaning of His forsakenness. It invites us to approach God with honesty about our experiences. It reminds us that it’s okay to admit feelings of despair and confusion. Just as the psalmist David poured out his heart in difficult moments—expressing feelings of abandonment and crying out to God—we too can do so in our lives.
Jesus’s expression of abandonment also points to a call for openness in our spiritual journey. It highlights that faith is not always about having the right answers, but about being in a relationship with God that encompasses our joys and sorrows. How do we respond when we feel distant from God? Do we turn to prayer, Scripture, and community? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” We should remember that in moments of feeling forsaken, we should lean on our faith community for support.
Lastly, this statement serves as a powerful reminder of the love and sacrifice that Jesus made for us. The cry of forsakenness is also a call to acknowledge the weight of our sins and the grace that covers them. As we remember His sacrifice, let us also respond with gratitude, living lives that reflect His love to others.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on why Jesus said “Why have You forsaken Me?” helps us understand the depth of His sacrifice and His intimate understanding of human suffering. He showed us that it’s okay to feel abandoned and to reach out to God in our darkest times. This moment highlights the burdens of sin and the separation it creates but also emphasizes the love and hope we have through Christ’s resurrection and grace. Each of us can find comfort knowing Jesus understands what we go through, and He promises never to leave us. Let’s continue to hold onto faith, embrace community, and always remember the grace that follows His cry for forsakenness.
We also need to remember that Jesus’s experience on the cross was part of God’s plan to bring us closer to Him. In our moments of feeling alone or distant, let’s take courage and reflect on the profound truth that Jesus is with us always. May we learn to express our struggles and remain hopeful in our relationship with God, recognizing that His love is ever-present even in the midst of trials. Amen.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4