Mark 15:34 – “And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’)”
Extended Explanation
This verse records one of Jesus’ final and most profound statements on the cross. At three in the afternoon, after hours of suffering, Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words reflect a deep moment of anguish, both physical and spiritual. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, was experiencing separation from the Father as He bore the weight of the world’s sin.
This cry is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, a psalm of lament written by King David. By quoting this psalm, Jesus is not only expressing His suffering but also pointing to the fulfillment of Scripture. While it may seem like a cry of abandonment, it is also a declaration of faith, as the rest of Psalm 22 points to God’s ultimate deliverance and victory.
The “forsakenness” that Jesus experienced was not due to any failure on His part. Rather, it was the result of Him taking on the sins of the world, as 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Historical Context
In the Jewish tradition, quoting the opening verse of a psalm often signaled the entire message of the psalm. By referencing Psalm 22, Jesus was reminding His followers of the suffering described in the psalm, which closely mirrors the events of the crucifixion. The psalm speaks of mockery, physical torment, and feelings of abandonment, but it ultimately ends with hope and deliverance.
During the crucifixion, the separation that Jesus experienced was the result of Him bearing the sin of humanity. In the Old Testament, sin caused separation between people and God (Isaiah 59:2). As Jesus bore the sins of the world, He experienced this separation in a way that was unique and deeply painful. The cry of forsakenness would have been especially shocking to those who witnessed it because Jesus had always referred to God as His Father in intimate terms. This moment highlights the depth of the sacrifice Jesus was making.
Theological Implications
This verse is central to understanding the doctrine of substitutionary atonement—Jesus took our place and bore the punishment that we deserved. The separation He experienced from God was the punishment for sin, but He endured it so that believers would never have to face that separation. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him.”
The cry of “Why have you forsaken me?” shows the cost of sin and the seriousness of God’s judgment. God is holy and cannot tolerate sin, which is why Jesus had to take the punishment on our behalf. However, even in this moment of separation, Jesus’ cry of “My God” shows that His relationship with the Father was not broken. He still trusted in God, even in His pain and suffering.
This verse also reveals the depth of Jesus’ humanity. While He was fully divine, He was also fully human, and in this moment, He experienced the depth of human suffering, abandonment, and pain. His cry shows that He understands what it means to feel abandoned or overwhelmed, and because of that, He can empathize with those who suffer (Hebrews 4:15).
Literary Analysis
Mark’s Gospel often emphasizes the suffering of Jesus, and this verse is a climactic moment in the crucifixion narrative. The use of Aramaic (the language Jesus spoke) and its translation highlights the personal and emotional nature of the statement. By including this cry, Mark draws attention to the weight of the moment—this is not just a physical death but a spiritual sacrifice with eternal implications.
The reference to Psalm 22 is significant. The psalm begins with a cry of despair but ends with hope and vindication, showing that even in moments of suffering, God’s plan is unfolding. Mark’s inclusion of this quote invites readers to see the crucifixion as part of a larger story—one that ends not in defeat but in victory.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- Isaiah 53:4-5 – The prophecy of the suffering servant who would be pierced for our transgressions.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us.”
- Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses.”
- Matthew 27:46 – A parallel account of Jesus’ cry on the cross.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of the cost of salvation and the depth of Jesus’ love. He was willing to endure separation from God so that we would never have to. His cry of abandonment shows the seriousness of sin but also the completeness of His sacrifice. Because Jesus was forsaken, believers can be assured that they will never be abandoned by God (Hebrews 13:5).
This verse also offers comfort to those who feel abandoned or distant from God. Jesus knows what it’s like to feel forsaken, and He can sympathize with those who are suffering. His cry assures believers that they can be honest with God about their pain and struggles, knowing that He understands and cares.
Additionally, the fact that Jesus’ cry references Psalm 22 reminds Christians to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems like He is silent. The psalm begins with despair but ends with hope and deliverance, showing that God is always at work, even in the darkest moments.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed through His willingness to allow His Son to experience separation and judgment for the sake of sinners. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The fact that God allowed Jesus to endure such suffering shows the depth of His love and His desire to bring salvation to humanity.
God’s love is also seen in the way He brings hope out of suffering. Jesus’ cry of abandonment was not the end of the story. Through His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that God’s love and power are greater than sin, death, and separation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is central to understanding Jesus’ role as the Savior who bore the sin of the world. His cry of forsakenness reflects the weight of the sin He carried and the punishment He endured on behalf of humanity. Isaiah 53:4-5 and 2 Corinthians 5:21 make it clear that Jesus’ death was a substitutionary sacrifice, meaning He took the place of sinners so that they could be forgiven.
Jesus’ cry also highlights His obedience to God’s will. Even in the midst of suffering and separation, He remained faithful, trusting that God’s plan would be fulfilled. His obedience led to victory over sin and death, making eternal life possible for all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Jesus’ cry of forsakenness reveal about the seriousness of sin and the cost of salvation?
- How does knowing that Jesus experienced separation from God affect your understanding of His love for you?
- Have you ever felt abandoned by God? How can Jesus’ experience on the cross encourage you during those times?
- How does Psalm 22 help you see that God’s plan often involves suffering but ultimately leads to victory?
- In what ways can you reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and live a life of gratitude and obedience to God’s will?