Understanding Jesus’ Cry on the Cross: “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

As Jesus hung on the cross, he uttered a profound expression of anguish: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This poignant cry has been the subject of extensive theological reflection, as it encapsulates the depth of Jesus' suffering and its significance in the context of Scripture.

Connection to Psalm 22

Jesus' words directly echo the opening of Psalm 22:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

By invoking this psalm, Jesus aligns his personal agony with the lamentation and subsequent hope found within it. Psalm 22 begins with a profound sense of abandonment but transitions into a declaration of trust and deliverance, reflecting a journey from despair to faith.

Expressions of Human Suffering

Jesus' exclamation signifies his profound experience of human suffering and a sense of separation from God. This moment underscores the depth of his incarnation, illustrating that he fully embraced the human condition, including feelings of abandonment and distress. This perspective emphasizes that Jesus, in his humanity, experienced the depths of human anguish (Catholic.com).

Theological Interpretations

Some theologians interpret this cry as a profound expression of Jesus bearing the weight of humanity's sins, experiencing the desolation that sin causes in one's relationship with God. This perspective highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing that he endured the ultimate consequence of sin—separation from God—to reconcile humanity to the Father (Catholic.com).

Affirmation of Prophetic Fulfillment

By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus not only expresses his anguish but also points to the fulfillment of prophetic scripture. The psalm details sufferings that mirror Jesus' crucifixion, such as being mocked and having his hands and feet pierced. This connection underscores that Jesus' suffering was in accordance with divine prophecy, reinforcing his messianic identity.

Pope Benedict XVI's Reflection

Pope Benedict XVI reflected on this passage, noting that Jesus' cry from the cross is an appeal to a seemingly distant God. He emphasized that this expression of abandonment is deeply connected to the human experience of feeling forsaken, yet it is also an act of profound trust in God's ultimate plan (Vatican.va).

Conclusion

Jesus' cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” encapsulates the profound mystery of the crucifixion. It reflects his deep identification with human suffering, the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures, and the profound theological implications of his sacrificial death. This moment invites believers to contemplate the depth of Jesus' love and the mystery of redemption accomplished through his suffering.