We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 27:45-56; Romans 14; Psalm 69:1-18, Deuteronomy 27-28.

“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” These are some of the most enigmatic words in the whole of Scripture. And there is no end of speculation on exactly what they mean.

Surely, Jesus knew He was not abandoned in totality even as in His final gasp He said “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” He knew His Father was still the One to whom He could and should commit Himself. He knew even as He bore our guilt that He was fulfilling the Father’s will – no matter how painful it was.

So what then DOES this cry mean?

Whatever else, it cannot mean less than this.

1. Father – take note of why you forsake me now, that those who you have given me might be one with us. Remember your plan.

2. And more, since these words are quoted from Psalm 22 – with David in that Psalm He is saying: I feel so forsaken, yet I know the good outcome of it all. I know as that Psalm goes on that “You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” and that even though “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd and my tongue sticks to my jaws” – yet! “From You comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear Him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the Lord.” In the last day “they shall come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn, that He has done it.”

And lastly –

3. Ah my Father – what a thing you are doing in this! This is why you have forsaken me, and it fills my broken heart with the joy of this salvation accomplished.

What a redeemer is Jesus the Christ. 

My God, My God, why had you forsaken Him?

For lost sinners like me.