Matthew 27:46 – “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse records Jesus’ cry from the cross, spoken in Aramaic, expressing deep anguish as He bore the weight of humanity’s sin. His words echo Psalm 22:1, where King David begins a psalm of lament. By quoting this verse, Jesus identified with the feelings of abandonment and suffering described there, while also pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of the psalm in His death and resurrection.
Jesus’ cry reflects the spiritual agony He endured as He took on the sins of the world. For the first time, He experienced a separation from the Father, as God’s judgment against sin was placed upon Him. This moment captures the immense cost of redemption and the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Historical Context
The crucifixion of Jesus occurred during the Jewish Passover, a time when Jerusalem was filled with pilgrims. The events leading up to this moment included physical torture, mockery, and rejection by the very people Jesus came to save. Crucifixion was designed to inflict maximum suffering, both physically and emotionally.
The words “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani” come from Psalm 22, a psalm written by David that describes both intense suffering and eventual deliverance. By quoting this psalm, Jesus not only expressed His own suffering but also revealed that He was fulfilling the Scriptures.
Theological Implications
This moment underscores the gravity of sin and the cost of salvation. Jesus’ experience of separation from the Father demonstrates the seriousness of sin, which breaks the relationship between humanity and God. Jesus took on this separation so that humanity could be reconciled to God.
Theologically, this cry also highlights the depth of Jesus’ obedience and love. Despite the pain and feeling of abandonment, He remained faithful to His mission. His willingness to endure this suffering shows His commitment to fulfilling God’s plan of redemption.
Literary Analysis
The direct quotation from Psalm 22 adds depth and layers of meaning to this verse. While the cry expresses Jesus’ anguish, it also points to the hope and victory that Psalm 22 ultimately describes. This literary connection reminds readers that Jesus’ suffering was not the end of the story—it was part of God’s greater plan.
The use of Aramaic emphasizes the personal and emotional nature of Jesus’ cry, while the translation into Greek ensures that all readers understand its meaning. The loud voice suggests that Jesus, despite His physical weakness, deliberately chose to proclaim this cry as a declaration of His suffering and its significance.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” A psalm of lament that foreshadows Jesus’ suffering.
- Isaiah 53:4-5 – Describes the suffering servant who bore humanity’s sins and was pierced for our transgressions.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
- Hebrews 4:15 – Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He experienced human suffering.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder of the cost of their salvation. Jesus’ cry of abandonment shows the depth of His suffering and the weight of the sin He bore on behalf of humanity. It challenges believers to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the immense love that drove Jesus to endure the cross.
This verse also offers comfort to those who feel abandoned or distant from God. Jesus experienced the ultimate separation so that believers never have to face it. His cry assures us that God understands our pain and has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in this moment, as He allowed His Son to endure the separation and judgment that humanity deserved. This act was not a sign of God’s rejection of Jesus but of His plan to redeem the world through His Son’s sacrifice. The temporary separation between the Father and the Son highlights the lengths God was willing to go to restore a broken relationship with humanity.
This verse also reflects God’s justice and mercy. Sin required judgment, and Jesus willingly took that judgment upon Himself so that we could receive forgiveness and eternal life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the sinless Savior who bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. His cry of abandonment shows the depth of His suffering, both physical and spiritual, as He took on the judgment we deserved. By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus pointed to the fulfillment of Scripture and the victory that would come through His resurrection.
Jesus’ willingness to endure this separation from the Father underscores His obedience and love. It reveals His identity as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ cry of abandonment deepen your understanding of the cost of your salvation?
- What does this verse teach about the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God?
- How can Jesus’ experience of separation from the Father provide comfort and assurance in your own times of suffering?
- In what ways does this verse challenge you to live in gratitude and obedience in response to Jesus’ sacrifice?