Why Did God Forsake Jesus?

If you’re like me, then you’ve also struggled to grasp this statement Jesus makes in the crucifixion narrative in Matthew’s gospel. Why did God forsake Jesus? I think there is only one explanation that makes sense in context. Jesus was quoting prophecy from Psalm 22.

Did God Forsake Jesus at the Cross?

I believe Jesus was the human manifestation of the Son of God, in the same way that I believe the Bible is the literary manifestation of the word of God. He was both fully human and fully divine. How that worked is beyond me. By definition, infinite sets are prone to defying logic.

I don’t have the answer for how an infinite God managed to contain a portion of himself within a fleshly human vessel. But, I believe he did based on the evidence. Because of that, the statement Jesus makes while nailed to the cross was a challenge for me to understand.

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 ESV

Meaning of Matthew 27 46

So, did God forsake Jesus at the cross? Did Jesus suffer alone? Some people seem to think so. They hold the position that Jesus was cut off from the presence of God, when the sins of the world were placed upon him.

I’ve also heard this verse explained through the lens of his humanity. It’s easy for us to imagine that at the height of his suffering, Jesus felt abandoned by God. That’s how we often understand and experience our own suffering.

But, Jesus died on the cross as the atonement for all sin, in obedience to the will of the Father. God did not forsake him. And, for his part, I don’t believe that Jesus lost hope; the narratives don’t depict a man who has lost control.

I believe there is a better explanation for the meaning of Matthew 27 46. It’s a method of instruction called remez רמז which means hint or clue. This directs the recipient’s attention to a broader context or portion of scripture.

Think of it as someone singing the first line of a particularly catchy tune. Where does your mind go? If you’re like me, then it probably finishes as much of that song as you recall. Possibly for the next several hours.

Jesus quoted this line from 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?” I encourage you to read the rest of that song. Consider how the imagery would have resonated with the people watching him die.

Psalm 22

As an exercise, make a note of how many of the sufferings in the text of Psalm 22 mirror the crucifixion. Jesus’s question on the cross was a pointed lesson for his audience, reminding them that God ordained this death.

The question is so relatable for us in our moments of suffering, as we are prone to question God’s presence and approval based on our circumstances. But, here too, Jesus provides an answer for those who have learned the lyrics around this remez.

“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.” Psalm 22:24 ESV

And, that’s a pretty good reason to praise Him.