Matthew 27:46-47 is about Jesus, while on the cross, reciting the opening verse of Psalm 22, expressing feelings of abandonment and despair but also showcasing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
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?”
47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 27:46-47
The scene described in Matthew 27:46-47 takes place at Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. It is a somber and intense moment as Jesus hangs on the cross, with the weight of the world’s sins upon Him. The sky is darkened, and there is an eerie stillness in the air as Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Around the foot of the cross stand a few individuals witnessing this heartbreaking moment. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is there, her heart breaking as she watches her son suffer. John, the beloved disciple, stands beside her, offering comfort and support. The soldiers who crucified Jesus are also present, going about their duties with a mixture of indifference and curiosity.
The crowd that had gathered to witness the crucifixion is a mix of onlookers, some mocking and jeering at Jesus, while others watch in silence, perhaps feeling a sense of unease at the gravity of the situation. The scene is a stark reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity, a moment of profound significance and sorrow.
What is Matthew 27:46-47 about?
When we encounter this verse where Jesus cries out to God in abandonment, it is a powerful moment that captures the deep humanity and vulnerability of Jesus as he takes on the sins of the world. Jesus not only feels the physical pain but also experiences a sense of spiritual separation from God in this moment of agony on the cross. It shows us that even the Son of God experienced moments of feeling alone and forsaken, making His sacrifice on the cross even more profound and relatable to our own human struggles and suffering.
When bystanders misunderstand Jesus’ words and think he is calling for Elijah, it also highlights the confusion and lack of understanding that often surrounds moments of profound suffering and sacrifice. It reminds us of the importance of truly listening and seeking to understand the deeper meanings behind words and actions, especially in moments of crisis and pain. This verse challenges us to reflect on how we respond to others in their moments of anguish and to strive for empathy and understanding rather than jumping to conclusions or assumptions. This verse calls us to contemplate the depths of Jesus’ sacrifice and the profound love that drove Him to endure such suffering on our behalf as we reflect. It challenges us to consider how we respond to moments of suffering and abandonment in our own lives and the lives of others, reminding us of the importance of compassion, understanding, and a willingness to bear witness to the pain of others. Through this verse, we are invited to draw closer to the heart of Christ and to deepen our own capacity for empathy and love towards all those who are experiencing moments of abandonment and suffering.
Understanding what Matthew 27:46-47 really means
In Matthew 27:46-47, we witness a poignant moment during Jesus’ crucifixion where He cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This cry is not merely a display of physical pain but a profound expression of abandonment and isolation. It fulfills Old Testament prophecies, particularly Psalm 22:1, which foretold this very moment, underscoring the divine plan unfolding through Jesus’ suffering. The depth of Jesus’ anguish in these words reveals the weight of the sin He bore and the extent of His sacrifice for humanity.
The related passages in Isaiah 53:3-5 depict the suffering servant who was despised and pierced for our transgressions, shedding light on the purpose behind Jesus’ agony. Hebrews 4:15 further emphasizes Jesus’ ability to empathize with human weaknesses, having experienced temptation and suffering Himself. These connections deepen our understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and His capacity to relate to our struggles, offering comfort and hope in times of distress.
Today, many individuals grapple with feelings of abandonment or forsakenness, whether by loved ones or even by God. Jesus’ cry on the cross resonates with those emotions, reminding us that He comprehends our deepest sorrows. His suffering was not in vain but served a redemptive purpose, instilling hope that our own trials can lead to growth and transformation. By recognizing Jesus’ shared experience of abandonment, believers can forge a stronger bond with Him, finding solace in His understanding and compassion.
Consider a person facing a profound hardship, questioning why God has seemingly turned away in their time of need. Reflecting on Jesus’ cry of abandonment can offer solace, knowing that even the Son of God experienced such profound anguish. This shared experience can bring comfort and reassurance, reminding them that they are not alone in their suffering. The repetition of “My God, my God” underscores Jesus’ intimate relationship with the Father, highlighting His unwavering connection despite the overwhelming sense of abandonment. The question “Why have you forsaken me?” delves into the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the gravity of the sin He bore, fulfilling prophecy and encapsulating the human experience of feeling forsaken.
The Aramaic phrase “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” adds a poignant layer of authenticity, revealing the raw emotion of Jesus in His native tongue. By delving into these profound moments of Jesus’ crucifixion, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for His sacrifice and find solace in their own moments of suffering, knowing that Jesus, too, walked the path of abandonment and understands the depths of human despair.
Why have you forsaken me?
Jesus cried out, feeling forsaken because he was carrying the burden of all the sins of humanity upon himself. The separation he experienced from God in that moment was a consequence of the weight of sin that he bore on the cross. This cry was an expression of the depth of the sacrifice he was making in order to bring redemption and reconciliation to mankind. Jesus was identifying with the human experience of abandonment and suffering in feeling forsaken. His cry was not one of despair, but rather an acknowledgment of the ultimate sacrifice he was making for the sake of all humanity. It was a moment of profound loneliness and pain, but also a moment that would ultimately lead to the triumph of love and salvation for all who believe in him. Jesus was fulfilling the prophecies and promises of Scripture by experiencing this sense of abandonment, demonstrating his complete identification with humanity in its darkest moments. Jesus was showing his willingness to fully embrace the cost of redemption in this cry of anguish and abandonment, ultimately paving the way for the restoration of our relationship with God.
Application
As you look at Jesus crying out on the cross in Matthew 27:46-47, remember the immense sacrifice He made for us. Let this powerful moment push you to strengthen your bond with Him through prayer, worship, and helping those around you. How will you show gratitude for such unconditional love and mercy?
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.