One of the most difficult and deeply meaningful statements Jesus made during His crucifixion was:
Matthew 27:46 — "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Many people ask, "Why did Jesus say My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" Did Jesus believe God had abandoned Him? Was Jesus separated from God on the cross?
This moment has been discussed and studied by Christians for centuries. Understanding the meaning requires looking at the words Jesus spoke, their connection to the Old Testament, and the purpose of His suffering.
What Does "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?" Mean?
Jesus' words express the depth of His suffering during the crucifixion. He was experiencing intense physical pain, emotional anguish, and the weight of human sin.
However, many Christian scholars understand this statement as more than a cry of despair. Jesus was quoting the opening words of Psalm 22, a passage written hundreds of years earlier that describes suffering, humiliation, and eventual victory.
Psalm 22:1 — "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"
By quoting this verse, Jesus was pointing those listening to the larger message of the psalm, which begins with suffering but ends with trust and God's ultimate deliverance.
Why Did Jesus Say "My God, My God" on the Cross?
Jesus spoke these words while carrying out His mission of salvation. The crucifixion was not an accident or a situation beyond His control. According to the New Testament, Jesus willingly gave Himself for humanity.
John 10:18 — Jesus said, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord."
His words reveal the seriousness of the suffering He endured. Jesus experienced the full reality of human pain and the burden of sin while remaining faithful to God.
Did God Abandon Jesus on the Cross?
This is one of the most common questions about this passage.
According to mainstream Christian belief, God the Father did not stop loving Jesus or permanently abandon Him. Instead, Jesus' cry expresses the suffering He experienced during His crucifixion.
Christians believe that Jesus took upon Himself the consequences of human sin.
Isaiah 53:5 — "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities."
The separation Jesus experienced was connected to the suffering and judgment associated with sin, not a breakdown in the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son.
What Is the Meaning of "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?"
The phrase "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani" is an Aramaic expression meaning:
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew records Jesus saying these words in Aramaic because that was the common language spoken by many Jewish people in that time period.
Matthew 27:46 — "About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?'"
Mark also records a similar statement:
Mark 15:34 — "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
How Does Psalm 22 Connect to Jesus' Words?
Psalm 22 is important because many details in the psalm are seen by Christians as pointing toward the suffering of the Messiah.
Connections often noted include:
- A righteous person experiencing suffering.
- Being mocked and rejected by others.
- People dividing his garments.
- A cry for God's help.
- Ultimate trust and victory.
Psalm 22:18 — "They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment."
The Gospel writers describe soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothing during the crucifixion.
Matthew 27:35 — The soldiers divided His clothes by casting lots.
For Christians, Jesus' quotation of Psalm 22 shows that His suffering was connected to God's larger plan.
Was Jesus Losing Faith in God?
No. Jesus' words were not a rejection of God.
Even during His suffering, Jesus continued to address God as "My God." This shows a relationship of trust and dependence rather than disbelief.
Throughout His life, Jesus demonstrated obedience to the Father, including in His final moments.
Luke 23:46 — Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
His final words show continued trust in God.
Why Did Jesus Have to Suffer on the Cross?
According to Christian teaching, Jesus' suffering and death were part of God's plan to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between humanity and God.
John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The cross represents both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's love.
What Can Christians Learn From Jesus' Words?
Jesus' cry from the cross teaches several important lessons:
- God understands human suffering. Jesus experienced deep pain and sorrow.
- Faith can exist during difficult moments. Jesus continued to call God His God.
- God's plan may include suffering before victory. Psalm 22 moves from pain to hope.
- Jesus identifies with those who feel abandoned. His words offer comfort to people experiencing hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus say "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Jesus said these words while suffering on the cross. Many Christians understand them as both an expression of His anguish and a reference to Psalm 22, which points from suffering toward God's ultimate victory.
Did God abandon Jesus on the cross?
According to mainstream Christian belief, God did not abandon Jesus. Jesus' words describe the depth of His suffering while fulfilling His mission of salvation.
What does Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani mean?
Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani is an Aramaic phrase meaning, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" It is recorded in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34.
Why did Jesus quote Psalm 22?
Jesus quoted Psalm 22 because it described the suffering of a righteous person and pointed to God's ultimate deliverance. Christians believe it connected His crucifixion with Old Testament prophecy.
What were Jesus' last words on the cross?
The Gospels record several statements Jesus made on the cross, including "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
Did Jesus feel pain on the cross?
Yes. The Gospel accounts describe Jesus experiencing physical suffering, emotional anguish, and rejection during His crucifixion.
Conclusion
The question "Why did Jesus say My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" has been asked by believers and scholars for generations.
These words reveal the depth of Jesus' suffering on the cross, but they also point to the hope and victory found in Psalm 22. Jesus was not simply expressing despair; He was fulfilling His mission and showing His complete identification with human suffering.
For Christians, this moment remains one of the clearest demonstrations of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and commitment to bringing salvation to humanity.
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