Jesus Cried Out
Scripture Reading — Matthew 27:45-50
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?”).
When would a person be most disheartened? Many people say that would happen if a parent, spouse, or friend totally forsakes them.
Jesus was forsaken by God and suffered the torments of hell because of our sins. If he didn’t pay the price for our sins for us, we could never be in God’s presence. Nothing sinful or impure can stand in the presence of God (Malachi 3:1-2; Revelation 6:15-17). So Jesus took our sins upon himself and was forsaken in our place.
Jesus spoke the words of Psalm 22 as he hung dying on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus completed our salvation as he suffered for us on the cross.
Some have doubts, saying, “How could so many people be saved through one man’s death?” Well, we must remember that Jesus himself is God. So the value of Jesus’ death cannot be measured by quantity, but by its quality. Jesus, the Lord of lords and King of kings, is more precious than all humankind, so his death could easily pay the price of all human sin. His sacrifice is more than enough to save us. Jesus’ precious blood washes away our sins forever.
How excruciating that pain must have been for Jesus when he was forsaken by God! Think upon Jesus’ cry and meditate on his sufferings—and give thanks for God’s amazing grace!
Dear God, we thank you for giving your one and only Son to die for us, paying the price for all our sins. Guide us to live in gratitude for your amazing love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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