Matthew 27:38-46 is about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, depicting the mocking by the chief priests, scribes, and elders, soldiers dividing his garments, and Jesus quoting Psalm 22:1 to express his feeling of abandonment by God while enduring immense suffering on the cross.
38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.
39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads
40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying,
42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”
43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
46 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?”
46 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?”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 27:38-46
In Matthew chapter 27, we find Jesus hanging on the cross at Golgotha, also known as the Place of the Skull. The scene is filled with a crowd of onlookers, soldiers, religious leaders, and two criminals who were also crucified alongside Jesus. The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of the moment, as Jesus is in the final hours of his earthly life.
The two criminals, one on Jesus’ right and one on his left, were likely common criminals sentenced to death for their crimes. They found themselves in the presence of Jesus due to their own actions, but now they are witnessing something extraordinary as they hang next to the Son of God. The soldiers are carrying out their duty, overseeing the crucifixion, while the religious leaders mock Jesus, challenging him to save himself if he truly is the Son of God.
Amidst the chaos and suffering, Jesus remains calm and composed, showing his love and forgiveness even in his darkest hour. The sky darkens, and Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This pivotal moment captures the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
What is Matthew 27:38-46 about?
Jesus hangs on the cross in a moment of great suffering and despair in this powerful verse. The cry of “My God, why have you forsaken me?” reflects Jesus feeling abandoned by God in his darkest hour. This emotional moment highlights the humanity of Jesus, showing his vulnerability and the depth of his suffering. It also serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifice he made for humanity, enduring physical pain and emotional anguish to carry out the ultimate act of love and forgiveness. We reflect on this verse, contemplating the profound nature of Jesus’ sacrifice and the depth of his love for us. We can ponder the significance of his cry of anguish and the idea that even in moments of doubt and despair, we can turn to God for strength and hope. It prompts us to consider our own faith journeys and how we can find solace and redemption even in the midst of our own struggles and challenges. Jesus’ words on the cross speak to the universal human experience of suffering and the need for faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Understanding what Matthew 27:38-46 really means
The passage in Matthew 27:38-46 vividly portrays the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a central event in Christian faith. As Jesus hangs on the cross, flanked by two criminals, the onlookers and religious leaders mock him, taunting that if he saved others, he should save himself. This irony underscores the true purpose of Jesus’ mission – to offer salvation through his sacrificial death, not to preserve his own life. The scene is punctuated by Jesus’ poignant cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” quoting Psalm 22:1. This cry reveals the depth of Jesus’ suffering and abandonment, yet it also points to the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate hope found in God.
The placement of Jesus between two criminals fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:12, where it was foretold that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors.” This positioning symbolizes Jesus’ identification with sinners, emphasizing his role as the ultimate atoning sacrifice for humanity. The mocking voices around him serve as a stark contrast to the profound significance of his sacrificial act. Through his suffering and death, Jesus demonstrates unparalleled love and empathy for humanity, understanding our weaknesses and offering redemption.
The parallel with Isaiah 53:3-5, which describes the suffering servant despised by mankind, further illuminates the depth of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Similarly, Psalm 22, a messianic psalm that begins with a cry of abandonment but ends in triumph, mirrors Jesus’ journey from suffering to resurrection. Hebrews 4:15 reinforces the idea that Jesus, as a high priest, empathizes with our struggles and suffering, offering comfort and understanding in our times of need.
In today’s world, the crucifixion narrative remains relevant as it helps believers comprehend the extent of Jesus’ suffering and his compassionate nature. Jesus’ cry of abandonment serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, God understands our pain and offers redemption. The sacrificial love displayed on the cross challenges us to reflect on the profound depths of God’s love and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice in our lives.
To illustrate this sacrificial love, consider a parent who selflessly sacrifices everything for their child’s well-being, enduring personal pain for their sake. This sacrificial act mirrors the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross. Just as the child’s life is transformed by the parent’s sacrifice, our lives are forever changed by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, leading to redemption and new life.
In conclusion, the crucifixion account in Matthew 27:38-46 serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ identification with human suffering, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the hope and redemption offered through his sacrificial love. It prompts us to contemplate the profound love of God and find solace in the assurance that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.
Why have you forsaken me?
Jesus spoke these words as a cry of anguish while on the cross, expressing his feelings of abandonment at that moment. By referencing this verse, you highlight the profound sense of isolation and despair that Jesus felt as he bore the weight of humanity’s sins. The importance of this expression of abandonment lies in its reflection of the sacrificial nature of Christ’s crucifixion, as he willingly endured separation from God in order to bring about salvation for all.
The abandonment Jesus experienced on the cross serves as a powerful reminder of the depth of his sacrifice and the magnitude of his love for humanity. Jesus physically and spiritually grappled with the weight of sin and the separation from God it brings in that moment of feeling forsaken. Through his willingness to endure this divine separation, Jesus demonstrated his ultimate act of selflessness and commitment to fulfilling the will of God, even amidst unimaginable suffering. By referencing this verse, one calls attention to the poignant and pivotal moment of Jesus’ crucifixion, where he bore the full weight of humanity’s sins and experienced a temporary separation from God. This powerful expression of abandonment underscores the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice and his unwavering commitment to redeeming humanity, offering a profound example of selflessness and love that continues to inspire and console believers today.
Application
Let us carry the torch of Jesus’ love and sacrifice in our daily journey. Take a step back, ponder, and imbue our interactions with the kindness and compassion that He demonstrated. Let’s echo His message of love and forgiveness in our work and family circles. Will you rise to the occasion, and be a beacon of love and grace in this world?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.