“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Matthew 27:46)
This is one of Christ’s final utterances on the cross. But what does it mean for us now? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some events leading to this harrowing moment.
Prior to this scene, we are presented with a wonderful image of the close-knit relationship that Jesus and his disciples enjoyed. The disciples would have spent the majority of their time with Jesus, not just learning from him but fellowship with him. Hanging out just like you do with very close friends. In fact they were more like family. The Bible depicts some of the squabbling that went on amongst the disciples, and Jesus correcting them like ‘big bro’. (Matt 18:1-5). And no doubt they would have spent time laughing and joking together - yes Jesus had a sense of humour.
Do you see it? Do you see moments like that in your life? Surrounded by friends and family, simply enjoying the moments together? A meal out, a party, holiday, shopping trip, or maybe a date?
Now let’s paint another scenario. A moment in your life when everything turns black. I mean - it’s so intense, it feels like someone has literally pulled the curtains of your life, and you feel very alone in your situation. You have tried just about everything you know how to and hit a brick wall each time. There is simply no one who gets it; no one who understands. And no one who can get you out of this hole. So you simply continue digging your hole because you just don’t know what else to do. Or continue to plod through your daily, painful and mentally exhausting routine.
Now look back at today’s scripture that we began with from Matthew 27, and you will see a connection between what you are facing and what Jesus faced on the cross. Friend, there is hope. The truth is, Jesus’ disciples - his friends, and even his very own brothers abandoned him at the point where he could have really done with their support. (John 7:5) (Mark 14:50). Take a moment to imagine the curtains of life being drawn for the Saviour of the world, who died for you and me. Those who would have been His ‘church family’ today were His most ardent accusers.
Jesus was ‘forsaken’ (or ‘rejected’) on the cross because He was carrying our sins. Yours and mine. Do you know what that means? It means that your time of dark abandonment, rejection, or being ‘forsaken’, is over. A divine exchange took place on the cross - Jesus took on your forsaken state, nailed it to the cross, and opened the way for you to “come forth” from your dark tomb, into the light of His resurrection. Yes, there’s a resurrection for you too! Let this be your day, your hour. Believe these images I’ve presented here today are for you personally. You can start to live again instead of just existing. You have God-given life and purpose.
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