Scripture Reference:
“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'” (Matthew 27:46)
Reflection:
In Matthew 27:46, we find a profound moment where Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This poignant moment on the cross has often been cited by critics, particularly in Islamic teachings, as evidence that Jesus could not be divine. They ask, if He is God, why can He not save Himself? However, a deeper exploration reveals that this cry is not a sign of weakness but rather a powerful testament to His divinity.
Quoting Psalm 22:
When Jesus uttered this line, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He was quoting the opening verse of Psalm 22. In the first century, Jews did not refer to the Psalms by their numbers but by their first lines. By invoking this Psalm, Jesus was effectively saying, “Go read the whole thing.” This Psalm is a remarkable prophecy that foreshadows His suffering, detailing events that align eerily well with the crucifixion itself.
Psalm 22 describes:
- Pierced hands and feet
- Exposed bones
- Intense thirst
- Garments divided among soldiers
- Mockers shaking their heads, saying, “He trusts in the Lord; let God rescue him.”
What’s astonishing is that crucifixion, as a form of execution, did not exist at the time of David’s writing. The vivid imagery described in Psalm 22 aligns perfectly with the events of the crucifixion, demonstrating a divine foresight that transcends time.
Jesus’ Intentional Sacrifice
In John 10:18, Jesus declares, “No one takes my life from me; I lay it down of my own accord.” This emphasizes that His death was not a moment of defeat but a voluntary act of love and sacrifice. From the very beginning, in Genesis 3:15, God hinted at this plan, promising enmity between the serpent and the woman’s seed—foretelling the arrival of Jesus, born of a virgin, who would ultimately crush evil.
Fulfillment of Scripture
Jesus affirmed in Luke 24:44 that everything written about Him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. His death on the cross was not an accident; it was a fulfillment of over 300 prophecies scattered throughout the Old Testament. He even told Peter to put away his sword, stating that legions of angels were at His disposal if He desired rescue.
The Hope of Psalm 22
Importantly, Psalm 22 does not conclude in despair. It transitions into a proclamation of victory and global worship, which was ultimately fulfilled through the resurrection. Jesus rose on the third day, and the good news of His victory spread across nations, affirming His divine nature and love for humanity.
The evidence supporting Jesus as God is overwhelming. His cry from the cross serves as a profound reminder of His love and the lengths He went to for our salvation. He desires for each of us to know the truth about Him—a truth that is rooted in prophecy, fulfilled in history, and resonant in our lives today.
“In the depths of despair, when it seems God is silent, remember that even in His absence, His presence is woven through the prophecies and promises fulfilled in Christ. Jesus’ cry from the cross is not a cry of defeat, but a profound invitation to witness the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, As we come before You today, we reflect on the profound words of Jesus on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In moments of despair, help us to remember that even in our darkest times, You are with us, working all things for our good.
Thank You for the fulfillment of Your promises through Christ, for the prophecies that point to His love and sacrifice. May we find comfort in knowing that Jesus chose to lay down His life for us, fulfilling Your divine plan of redemption.
Help us to trust in Your presence when we feel abandoned and to lean into Your Word, which reassures us of Your faithfulness. Empower us to share this incredible truth with others, that they too may come to know the depth of Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Invitation to Embrace Jesus:
Are you searching for hope, purpose, and peace? Jesus is waiting with open arms, ready to welcome you back into His loving embrace. Whether you’ve wandered away or are seeking Him for the first time, His invitation is always there for you.
Why give your life to Jesus?
- Experience unconditional love and grace.
- Find strength in your struggles.
- Discover the purpose He has for your life.
If you’re ready to take that step, click the link below to learn more about how to invite Jesus into your heart and life.
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Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries