Episode 1560: My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

In Matthew 27:46 it says "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"
Did Christ leave behind right before his death an understanding of what we to will have to endure on earth or was this much more?
This passage, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" (or in Hebrew, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?") is a statement made by Jesus while he was on the cross.
Here's the traditional Catholic understanding:

Fulfillment of Prophecy: By quoting this phrase, Jesus is not only expressing his own anguish but also pointing to a specific prophecy from the Old Testament. It comes from Psalm 22, which begins with the words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" In saying this, Jesus is drawing attention to the fact that he is fulfilling the Scriptures.
Psalm 22 as a Messianic Psalm: Many scholars and theologians interpret Psalm 22 as a messianic psalm, meaning it is a prophetic description of the suffering and victory of the Messiah. It contains vivid descriptions that parallel the crucifixion of Jesus.

Specific Details: Psalm 22 contains strikingly specific details that seem to correspond to the events of Jesus' crucifixion. For example, it speaks of the piercing of hands and feet (Psalm 22:16), the mocking and jeering of onlookers (Psalm 22:7-8), the division of Jesus' garments (Psalm 22:18), and his physical weakness (Psalm 22:14-15).

Spiritual Significance: Beyond the literal events, the psalm conveys a deep sense of abandonment and suffering. This parallels Jesus' experience on the cross, where he not only bore physical pain but also took on the weight of human sin, leading to a sense of separation from God.

Recognition by Early Christians: Early Christians, including the authors of the New Testament, saw these parallels and understood them as a confirmation that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah. They often quoted or alluded to Old Testament passages to demonstrate that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were in accordance with God's plan.

Theological Significance: The fulfillment of prophecies like Psalm 22 serves to reinforce the belief in Jesus' divinity and his role in salvation history. It shows that God's plan for redemption was set in motion long before Jesus' birth.

Confirmation of God's Faithfulness: The fulfillment of prophecy is seen as evidence of God's faithfulness to His promises. It reassures believers that God's plan for salvation was meticulously designed and executed.

Overall, the fulfillment of prophecies in the life of Jesus is a foundational aspect of Christian belief. It highlights the divine orchestration of events and reinforces the conviction that Jesus is the long-awaited Savior foretold in the Old Testament.

Identification with Humanity's Suffering: This statement shows Jesus' complete identification with the suffering of humanity. He experiences the depths of human pain, including the feeling of abandonment or forsakenness. This is a powerful affirmation of his humanity.

Empathy and Compassion: Jesus' cry reflects his deep empathy and compassion for the pain and struggles experienced by humanity. By expressing a feeling of abandonment, he acknowledges and shares in the very real human experience of feeling alone and forsaken, especially in times of great distress.

Shared Humanity: This statement affirms Jesus' full humanity. He did not merely appear human; he truly experienced the range of human emotions, including feelings of isolation and despair. This emphasizes the Incarnation—the belief that God became fully human in Jesus.

Understanding of Human Weakness: Through his cry, Jesus acknowledges the human weakness and vulnerability that comes with suffering. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of human existence, even in its most painful moments.

A Bridge between God and Humanity: This expression of suffering also serves as a bridge between God and humanity. By experiencing the depths of human suffering, Jesus shows that God is not distant or aloof from human struggles, but intimately involved and present, even in the darkest times.

Overcoming the Feeling of Forsakenness: While Jesus expresses the feeling of abandonment, it's important to note that this cry is not a final statement of despair. The very act of addressing God as "My God" indicates an ongoing relationship and trust in the Father, even in the midst of intense suffering.

Redemptive Purpose: Jesus' identification with human suffering is not a passive acceptance but part of a redemptive plan. By willingly undergoing this experience, he is bearing the weight of human sin and suffering, ultimately leading to the possibility of reconciliation and salvation.

Source of Comfort and Encouragement: For believers, Jesus' identification with suffering provides a source of comfort and encouragement. It means that when we experience our own moments of darkness and despair, we can turn to Jesus knowing that he understands and empathizes with us.

In summary, Jesus' cry from the cross is a profound demonstration of his solidarity with human suffering. It affirms his genuine humanity and his willingness to enter into the depths of human pain. This identification is a source of hope and comfort for those who face their own trials and tribulations, knowing that they do not face them alone.
Spiritual and Physical Suffering: At this moment, Jesus is undergoing immense physical suffering on the cross, but there is also a deeper spiritual suffering. He is bearing the weight of human sin, experiencing the separation from God that sin brings.

Certainly. The cry of Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" encapsulates both profound spiritual and intense physical suffering. Here's a deeper exploration of these aspects:

Spiritual Suffering:

Bearing the Weight of Sin: One of the most significant elements of Jesus' spiritual suffering is his role as the sacrificial Lamb of God. In this moment, he is taking upon himself the sins of all humanity. This act of atonement involves a profound spiritual burden, as he experiences the separation from God that sin brings.

The Divine Paradox: This moment is a paradox in Christian theology. Jesus, who is fully God, is experiencing a sense of abandonment from the Father. This is not an actual separation within the Trinity, but rather the experience of the consequence of sin that he willingly takes upon himself.

The Agony of Redemption: Jesus' spiritual suffering also arises from the knowledge of what he is accomplishing on the cross—redeeming humanity. He is making a way for humanity to be reconciled with God, but in doing so, he endures the spiritual agony of the cost involved.

Physical Suffering:

Crucifixion: A Brutal Form of Execution: Crucifixion was a horrific method of execution in ancient times. It involved excruciating pain, as nails were driven through the hands and feet, and the person was left to die while suspended on a cross. The physical agony of crucifixion was immense.

Prolonged Agony: Crucifixion was deliberately designed to be a slow and agonizing death. Victims would often suffer for hours or even days before succumbing to exhaustion, shock, or asphyxiation.

Exhaustion and Dehydration: The act of carrying the cross and the hours spent hanging from it would have resulted in extreme physical exhaustion. Jesus would also have been severely dehydrated, which would have exacerbated his suffering.

Scourging: Before crucifixion, it was customary to whip the victim with a scourge. This brutal practice, which involved a whip with sharp pieces of metal or bone, would have caused additional pain and trauma.

Difficulty in Breathing: Crucifixion made it difficult for the victim to breathe, leading to a painful struggle for each breath. This was due to the position of the body and the pressure on the chest.

Wounds and Bruises: In addition to the wounds from the nails, Jesus would have suffered numerous other injuries from the scourging, as well as from falling while carrying the cross.

The combination of spiritual and physical suffering on the cross represents the depths of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. He willingly endured unimaginable pain, both in body and soul, to offer redemption and reconciliation with God. This is a central belief in Christian theology, emphasizing the extent of God's love for humanity.

Prayer and Trust: While Jesus feels forsaken, he is also engaging in a prayer. He is addressing God as "My God," indicating a deep personal relationship. This shows that even in his darkest hour, Jesus maintains trust in the Father.
Prayer:

Addressing God: In his cry, Jesus directly addresses God, saying, "My God." This demonstrates an intimate and personal relationship with the Father. Despite the intense suffering, Jesus turns to God in prayer, acknowledging Him as his source of strength and solace.

Persistence in Prayer: Even in the midst of his anguish, Jesus continues to pray. This shows the importance of prayer, even in the darkest moments of life. It serves as a model for believers to turn to God in times of distress and to persevere in prayer.

Honesty and Authenticity: Jesus' cry is a raw and honest expression of his feelings. He doesn't hold back or try to mask his pain. This authenticity in prayer teaches believers that it's okay to bring their true emotions and struggles before God.

Using Scripture in Prayer: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus is drawing upon the Scriptures in his prayer. This emphasizes the power and relevance of God's Word in times of suffering. It also shows how the Psalms, which often express a range of human emotions, can be a valuable resource for prayer.

Trust:

Trust in God's Plan: Despite his profound suffering, Jesus maintains trust in God's overarching plan for salvation. He understands that the events unfolding on the cross are part of a divine purpose to redeem humanity.

Submission to the Father's Will: Earlier in the Gospels, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This exemplifies his complete submission to the Father's will, even when it involves immense suffering.

Faith in God's Character: Jesus' cry, while expressing a sense of abandonment, is not a declaration of a true separation from God. He still addresses God as "My God," indicating his foundational belief in the Father's character and faithfulness.

Ultimate Victory through Trust: Jesus' trust in God extends beyond the immediate suffering on the cross. He looks forward to the ultimate victory over sin and death that will be achieved through his sacrifice and resurrection.

Encouragement for Believers: Jesus' unwavering trust in God serves as an example and encouragement for believers facing their own trials. It shows that even in moments of despair, trusting in God's plan and character is foundational to navigating through suffering.

In summary, Jesus' prayer from the cross is a powerful demonstration of both his intimate relationship with God and his unshakeable trust in the Father's plan. It teaches believers the importance of turning to God in prayer, being authentic in their expressions, and placing unwavering trust in God's character and sovereignty, even in the midst of suffering.
Teaching on Redemption: This statement is not just a cry of despair, but also a revelation of the profound mystery of redemption. Through his suffering, Jesus is reconciling humanity with God, healing the separation caused by sin.
**1. Bearing the Weight of Sin:

At this moment, Jesus is not only experiencing intense physical and spiritual suffering, but he is also bearing the weight of all human sin. This act of self-sacrifice is central to the Christian understanding of redemption. He willingly takes upon himself the consequences of humanity's wrongdoing.
**2. Reconciliation with God:

Through his suffering and death, Jesus is making a way for humanity to be reconciled with God. The separation caused by sin is being overcome, and a path to restored relationship with the Father is being established.
**3. The Lamb of God:

Jesus is often referred to as the "Lamb of God" in Christian theology. This title carries deep symbolic meaning, as it harkens back to the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as lambs were offered as sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins, Jesus, as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, offers himself for the redemption of all humanity.
**4. Victory Over Sin and Death:

The crucifixion is not the end of the story. It leads to the Resurrection, which is the ultimate victory over sin and death. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross paves the way for the triumph of life over death, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in him.
**5. A New Covenant:

Jesus' sacrifice inaugurates a new covenant between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, God made covenants with His people, promising blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience. Through Jesus, a new covenant is established, one that is based on faith in Him and his redemptive work.
**6. Justification and Forgiveness:

Through faith in Jesus' sacrificial death, believers are justified before God. This means they are declared righteous, not because of their own merit, but because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Additionally, their sins are forgiven, and they are no longer held accountable for them.
**7. A Call to Repentance and Faith:

The message of redemption calls people to repentance and faith in Jesus. It invites individuals to turn away from a life of sin and to trust in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. This decision leads to a transformed life and a restored relationship with God.
**8. A Universal Offer:

The offer of redemption is extended to all people, regardless of their background, past mistakes, or current circumstances. It is a gift freely given by God, available to anyone who believes in Jesus.
In summary, Jesus' cry on the cross contains a profound teaching on redemption. It signifies the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God and offering the hope of eternal life. This foundational Christian belief emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice for all who put their trust in Him.
Model of Perseverance: Jesus' utterance on the cross serves as a model for Christians in times of suffering. It demonstrates that it's okay to express feelings of abandonment or despair to God. Even in such moments, trust and submission to God's will are essential.
**1. Enduring Physical Agony:

The crucifixion was an excruciatingly painful form of execution. Jesus endured this intense physical suffering without giving in to despair or cursing his circumstances. His ability to persevere through such extreme pain serves as a powerful example of resilience in the face of adversity.
**2. Maintaining Trust in God:

Despite feeling forsaken, Jesus still addresses God as "My God." This shows that even in moments of doubt and darkness, he maintains trust in the Father. This act of faith amidst suffering exemplifies the importance of holding onto one's faith in God, even in the most trying times.
**3. Submission to God's Will:

Jesus had previously prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This attitude of submission to God's will is demonstrated on the cross. He willingly goes through with the crucifixion, knowing it is part of the Father's plan for redemption.
**4. Setting an Example for Believers:

Jesus' perseverance serves as a model for believers facing their own trials and challenges. It shows that even in moments of intense suffering, it is possible to endure with faith, trust, and a commitment to God's purpose.
**5. Embracing the Cross:

Jesus' willingness to go to the cross, despite the immense suffering it entailed, exemplifies a willingness to embrace one's calling or mission, even when it involves great sacrifice. It teaches that there can be profound purpose in enduring hardship for the greater good.
**6. Turning Adversity into Triumph:

The crucifixion, though a brutal and agonizing event, ultimately leads to the triumph of the Resurrection. Jesus' perseverance through the darkest moment in human history results in the victory over sin and death. This demonstrates that even in the most dire circumstances, there can be a pathway to eventual triumph and renewal.
**7. Inspiring Hope:

Jesus' example of perseverance offers hope to believers facing their own struggles. It shows that even when circumstances seem insurmountable, there is a source of strength and purpose to be found in trusting God and enduring with faith.
In summary, Jesus' cry on the cross provides a profound model of perseverance. It demonstrates the ability to endure intense suffering while maintaining trust in God's plan and purpose. This example inspires believers to face their own challenges with faith, knowing that even in the darkest moments, there can be a pathway to eventual triumph and renewal.
Overall, this passage is a key moment in the Christian narrative because it encapsulates the depth of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity and his identification with our suffering. It highlights the mystery of the Cross, where suffering and redemption are intimately connected