Forsaken and Thirsty
Matthew 27:46 & John 19:28
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2008 Harold Dinsmore

I would like to share with you two of the sayings of Jesus on the cross this week because of my absence last week.  The fourth work spoken by Jesus during this crucifixion is to be found in Matthew 27:46, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me.”  I believe that this saying is the center of the seven words from the cross.  Have you ever wondered what king of reaction these words cause in the  minds of those who heard them for the first time?

               Some have suggested that these words confirmed the fact that Jesus was just a man.  While others have reported that Jesus died like a god.  Wrong!  Jesus died like the God/Man.  Fully God and fully man.  That is the center of our hope.

               Now why do you suppose he uttered such a cry?  Probably the most simplest is true.  He said it because he felt forsaken.  Jesus was speaking from the arena of desolation.  As he hung there suspended in mid-air he felt alone.  Remember that he had been forsaken by the religious leaders, his family, his friends….and now his heavenly Father.