I would like to offer a perspective and theologically make the case by stating that the Father DID NOT forsake His Son on the cross. I know what you're thinking. Matthew 27:46 states that Christ cried out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" Which means, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Asking a question is not the same as making a statement of fact. As for the question Jesus asked on the cross, lets look first to one of the most important rules of biblical interpretation. Scripture interprets scripture. Therefore, anytime
Christ or any of the New Testament authors reference Old Testament scripture,
it’s always best to read the referenced verses in complete context. That said,
Matthew 27:46 is mainly a prophetic fulfillment of Psalm 22:1. This particular
Psalm is one of the most prophetically rich chapters in the Bible. There are at
least nine verses that prophetically gives readers a preview of the crucifixion
(Psalm 22:1, 6-8, 11, 16, 18, 22, 24 – Read Below). The perspective I am
proposing is that when Jesus uttered to the Father the words “why have you
forsaken me”, He was claiming Messiahship from the Messianic verses of Psalm 22
as oppose to the idea that the Father had actually forsaken His Son. Psalm
22:24 clearly states that the person chapter 22 was referring to was NOT in
fact forsaken, despised or had God’s face hidden from Him (Psalm 22:24 -
FOR HE HAS NOT DESPISED OR ABHORRED THE AFFLICTION OF THE AFFLICTED, AND HE HAS
NOT HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM HIM, BUT HAS HEARD, WHEN HE CRIED TO HIM.”). The
Psalmist states that God in fact heard the Son when He cried to Him. In terms
of being forsaken, Scripture declares in Isaiah 53:3 that Christ was despised
and forsaken by people, not God. In fact, Christ’s own disciples forsook Him (John
16:32; Matthew 26:31), but Jesus declared in John 16:32 that while He would be
forsaken by His followers, He would not be alone because the Father WAS WITH
HIM. The truth of the matter is that when a person feels forsaken by people,
especially those close to them, it can FEEL LIKE God has forsaken you as well.
God cares for us through people and Jesus the huMAN while atoning for the sins
of humanity, did not have the support of his own disciples to depend on, and it
could have felt like abandonment from God as well. In the end, scripture
affirms that the Father was indeed with Him and that He was not forsaken by His
Father. Psalm 22 gives readers a prophetic biographical sketch of the coming
Messiah, and Jesus proudly stakes His claim as the long awaited Messiah by
exclaiming the immortal words of Psalm 22:1 and ending the same Psalm with the
assurance that God will not only never forsake His Son, but equally important
is that He will never forsake His adopted children as well. Today we celebrate
the Triune God and His unfailing love, mercy and grace He has for humanity.
Shalom and Baruch Ha Shem (Peace and Blessed Be His Name).
By David Outing
Scripture References:
(Psalm 22: 1) “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? (Matthew 27:46)
(Psalm 22: 6) But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. (Matthew 27:20-23 – the people shouted to crucify)
(Psalm 22:7) All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; (Matthew 27:29, 39 – The people mocked Him and wagged their heads)
(Psalm 22:8) "He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!" (Matthew 27:41-44 – The Chief Priests, scribes, elders, & thief on the cross)
(Psalm 22:11) Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. (Matthew 26:56 – The disciples all fled and none left to help Jesus in any way)
(Psalm 22:16) For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— (John 19:37
(Psalm 22:18) they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. (Matthew 27:35)
(Psalm 22:22) I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: (Hebrews 2:11-12)
(Psalm 22:24) FOR HE HAS NOT DESPISED OR ABHORRED THE AFFLICTION OF THE AFFLICTED, AND HE HAS NOT HIDDEN HIS FACE FROM HIM, BUT HAS HEARD, WHEN HE CRIED TO HIM.”.
(John 16:32) Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.
(Matthew 26:31) Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
(Isaiah 53:3) He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
