Scripture – “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).”
Matthew 27:45-46 NIV
Observation – When Jesus is dying on the cross he cries out in a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.
Application – Jesus says this, not because he is questioning the Father but, to point everyone who was witnessing his crucifixion to Psalm 22. He was letting let them know that Psalm 22, which was written 1,000 years before his crucifixion, was being fulfilled in the their presence. Below are some verses from Psalm 22 that were fulfilled that day, 1000 years after they were written about Jesus sacrifice on the cross. Go back and read the Gospel accounts of Jesus death and compare them to the prophesies proclaimed in Psalm 22. The people of that time would have been familiar with this Psalm and when Jesus said the first line out loud they would have finished it in their mind and known what was happening.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!”
Psalms 22:1, 6-8, 12-18, 24, 31 NIV
Prayer – Lord God, thank you for fulfilled prophecy that strengthens our faith. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 