My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?: A Sermon
On the cross, Jesus uttered seven last words. His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” His last words were, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” In between, Jesus spoke of his mother and the beloved disciple, and he said, “I thirst.” But his fourth cry from the cross was a haunting one: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This cry is a poignant reminder of the depths of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. He was not only suffering physically, but he was also suffering spiritually. He felt abandoned by his Father. This cry is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is with us. He may not always feel close, but he is always there.
The Meaning of Forsakenness
The word “forsaken” means to be abandoned or deserted. It is a feeling of being alone and helpless. Jesus felt forsaken on the cross because he was separated from his Father. He had always been close to his Father, but now he felt cut off from him.
Feeling forsaken is a common experience. We may feel forsaken when we lose a loved one, when we are going through a difficult time, or when we feel like we are not good enough. It is important to remember that we are never truly forsaken. God is always with us, even when we feel alone.
Jesus’ Cry for Understanding
Jesus’ cry for understanding is a reminder that it is okay to ask God why. We may not always understand why we are going through a difficult time, but we can ask God for help. He is always there to listen to us and to help us through our pain.
God does not always answer our prayers the way we want him to, but he always answers them. Sometimes he answers by giving us what we ask for. Sometimes he answers by giving us something different. And sometimes he answers by simply being present with us in our pain.
Lessons from Jesus’ Cry
Jesus’ cry from the cross teaches us several important lessons. First, it teaches us that it is okay to feel forsaken. We are not alone in our pain. Jesus himself felt forsaken on the cross.
Second, Jesus’ cry teaches us that we can ask God why. We may not always get an answer, but we can ask. God is always there to listen to us and to help us through our pain.
Third, Jesus’ cry teaches us that even when we feel forsaken, God is still with us. He may not always feel close, but he is always there.
Tips for Overcoming Forsakenness
If you are feeling forsaken, there are several things you can do to overcome your feelings. First, remind yourself that you are not alone. God is always with you, even when you feel like he is not.
Second, talk to God about your feelings. Tell him how you are feeling and ask him for help. He is always there to listen to you and to help you through your pain.
Third, find support from others. Talk to a friend, family member, or pastor about how you are feeling. They can offer you support and encouragement.
Finally, remember that God loves you. He is always there for you, even when you feel like he is not. He will never forsake you.
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Conclusion
Jesus’ cry from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is a poignant reminder of the depths of his suffering. It is also a reminder that we are not alone in our pain. God is always with us, even when we feel forsaken.
If you are feeling forsaken, please know that you are not alone. God is always with you, and he will never forsake you.
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