Why Have You Forsaken Me? Matthew 27:45-56

Vine’s Expository Dictionary “To forsake, abandon, leave in straits, or helpless; said by or of Christ” “To forsake, abandon, leave in straits, or helpless; said by or of Christ”

Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ”ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI,” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?” “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ”ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI,” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?”

Mark 15:34 “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI” which is being translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?” “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI” which is being translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME?”

Acts 2:27, 31 “Because Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.” “Because Thou wilt not abandon my soul to Hades, nor allow Thy Holy One to undergo decay.” “He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay.” “He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay.”

Introduction Context of the question Context of the question Mockery of a trial and scourging Mockery of a trial and scourging Came after three hours of darkness Came after three hours of darkness Two possible answers Two possible answers He believed God had abandoned Him He believed God had abandoned Him He was actually expressing confidence in His father He was actually expressing confidence in His father

Was Jesus Abandoned? Popular view among Calvinists Popular view among Calvinists Follows logically, but not Scripturally Follows logically, but not Scripturally Based on their belief in imputation of man’s sin to Christ Based on their belief in imputation of man’s sin to Christ They then reason that God could not look upon Christ on the cross since He was bearing the sins of mankind They then reason that God could not look upon Christ on the cross since He was bearing the sins of mankind Therefore, God had to abandon Him Therefore, God had to abandon Him

Was Jesus Abandoned? Several facts argue against this view Several facts argue against this view Such imputation is not taught in the Bible Such imputation is not taught in the Bible Burnt offerings under the Law, a type of the sacrifice of Christ, were readily received as a “soothing aroma.” (Exodus 29:18, 25; Leviticus 8:21) Burnt offerings under the Law, a type of the sacrifice of Christ, were readily received as a “soothing aroma.” (Exodus 29:18, 25; Leviticus 8:21) Would God abandon His Son in His most trying hour? (Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 5:7) Would God abandon His Son in His most trying hour? (Matthew 26:39; Hebrews 5:7)

Jesus Trusted His Father Consider the setting from Psalm 22 Consider the setting from Psalm 22 David felt forsaken, but remembered God’s deliverance in the past (vv. 1-5) David felt forsaken, but remembered God’s deliverance in the past (vv. 1-5) Although he was ridiculed, he still trusted in God (vv. 6-10) Although he was ridiculed, he still trusted in God (vv. 6-10) The present crisis would pass, and David would tell of his deliverance (vv ) The present crisis would pass, and David would tell of his deliverance (vv ) David saw a future blessing for those who turn to God (vv ) David saw a future blessing for those who turn to God (vv )

Jesus Trusted His Father Notice the parallels to Jesus’ situation Notice the parallels to Jesus’ situation He did not view his suffering as permanent (Luke 23:46) He did not view his suffering as permanent (Luke 23:46) He was ridiculed (Matthew 27:39-44) He was ridiculed (Matthew 27:39-44) He trusted in the Father (Luke 23:46) He trusted in the Father (Luke 23:46) He knew the world would be blessed because of His finished work (John 19:30) He knew the world would be blessed because of His finished work (John 19:30)

Jesus Trusted His Father Jesus was not abandoned Jesus was not abandoned He trusted His Father unto the end He trusted His Father unto the end He paid the penalty for our sin, and became our sin offering (2 Corinthians 5:21) He paid the penalty for our sin, and became our sin offering (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Conclusion False teaching provides no comfort False teaching provides no comfort It makes a good story It makes a good story Anything related to Calvinism must be rejected Anything related to Calvinism must be rejected Let’s appreciate the sacrifice He made Let’s appreciate the sacrifice He made He trusted His Father to be there when the terrible ordeal was over He trusted His Father to be there when the terrible ordeal was over We can find hope in what He said We can find hope in what He said