Introduction

Title: The Fourth Word from the Cross - Anguish

At around three o'clock, Jesus cried out with a loud shout, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46, NIV). In this moment of darkness, Jesus experienced deep abandonment.

Tonight, we reflect on the fourth word spoken by Jesus from the cross: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" These words convey a reality, pose a question, and demand an answer.

Section 1

Jesus understood what it meant to feel deserted. His own family had turned away from him, and even his closest disciples had fled. Now, in his darkest hour, he felt abandoned by God Himself. For Jesus, who had always enjoyed a close relationship with his Father, this was an unimaginable blow. God had indeed forsaken him.

Sometimes, when our faith wavers, we may mistakenly believe that God has left us. Interestingly, Jesus' faith never faltered. He repeated the words "My God, My God" to affirm his unwavering trust. Charles Haddon Spurgeon suggests that Jesus may have been saying, "Even if You have forsaken me, I have not forsaken You." Jesus faced his hour of suffering with resolute faith.

Section 2

Why was Jesus forsaken? The answer is clear: so that we would never be forsaken. God promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). Matthew, who recorded Jesus' profound loneliness, concludes his gospel with the assurance of eternal companionship. In our darkest moments, in our pain and suffering, we are never alone. God turned against His Son so that He would never turn against us.

When we do feel alone, abandoned, or afraid, let us learn from Jesus' example. He cried out to God, "My God, My God." Let nothing shake our faith in Him.

Conclusion

Jesus understands our feelings of betrayal and abandonment, for He experienced total abandonment Himself.

Even when we feel most alone, the truth is that we are not.

In times when God's presence seems hidden, let us trust in His unwavering grace.

Get the Full Sermon

• Sermon Notes
• Midweek Discussion Questions