Matthew 27:46

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Matthew 27:46 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 27:46 records Jesus’ fourth cry from the cross, uttered at the ninth hour (about 3 p.m.). This was the time of the daily evening sacrifice in the temple, when Passover lambs were being prepared, pointing to Christ as the true sacrifice. Darkness had covered the land from the sixth to the ninth hour, emphasizing the weight of the moment. Jesus cried with a loud voice, showing He was not weak but deliberately proclaimed these words.

Meaning

The cry, a quotation from Psalm 22:1, expresses a profound sense of abandonment and anguish. In that moment Jesus bears the weight of sin and experiences separation from the Father as the sin-bearer for humanity. The words are addressed to “My God,” indicating trust even in distress. This utterance reveals the dual nature of Christ—fully human and fully divine. In His humanity He feels the depths of suffering and forsakenness, yet in His divinity He remains connected to the Father.

Biblical connections

By quoting Psalm 22:1, Jesus demonstrates the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecy. The psalm foretells the sufferings of the Messiah, including His feeling of abandonment, and Jesus’ words identify Him with those prophetic expectations. The immediate context in Matthew 27:47-49 shows bystanders misunderstanding the cry as a call to Elijah, highlighting the spiritual blindness of the crowd.

Application

The forsakenness underscores the immense cost of redemption. Through this suffering Jesus willingly takes upon Himself the punishment for sin, making reconciliation with God possible and highlighting the magnitude of divine love. The cry offers assurance to believers in their darkest moments. Knowing that Jesus has experienced abandonment enables us to find solace, as He empathizes with our pain and offers comfort and hope. Jesus’ use of Psalm 22 invites believers to turn to the Psalms in distress. The Psalms express a wide range of emotions and provide a pathway for prayer, comfort, and communion with God.

Reflection

Although Jesus felt forsaken, the passage does not imply a total separation from the Father. It points to a greater divine purpose, culminating in His victorious resurrection, and encourages trust in God’s plan even amid suffering. Reflecting on this moment deepens our appreciation for the price of salvation. It motivates a life of gratitude, prompting us to reflect Christ’s sacrificial love in our own conduct.