Forsaken... , Yet Triumphant

In Jerusalem today, within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, is the spot where Jesus was crucified; it is just outside the walls of Old Jerusalem. As He hung on the cross between two criminals, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” These words express a depth of anguish, distress, and isolation beyond human comprehension.

At first glance, it may seem as though Jesus was completely caught off guard by what was happening. However, there are important truths to remember.

No Surprise

First, Jesus was fully aware that He would be crucified.
Throughout His ministry, He repeatedly told His disciples that He would be betrayed, condemned to death, mocked, beaten, and crucified (Mark 8:31-32; 9:30-32; 10:32-34). He knew not only that this would happen, but that it was necessary. When Peter attempted to dissuade Him from going to the cross, Jesus firmly rebuked him.

Second, Jesus was not confused about His identity or His mission.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus said that His blood would be poured out for the forgiveness of sins (Matt 26:28). Now, the pouring out of blood for the forgiveness of sins was an everyday practice at the Jerusalem temple (Num 28:3-4; Ezra 3:3). It was a continual burnt offering so that the Lord, who is holy, would dwell among His unholy people (Exod. 29:45). By saying this, Jesus was declaring that He Himself would bear the sins of humanity.

Moreover, John the Baptist identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

So, if Jesus knew what was coming and fully understood His mission, what lies behind His cry on the cross?

Psalm 22

Jesus’ words, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” are a direct quotation from Psalm 22. In Jesus’ time, Old Testament scriptures were not divided into chapters and verses as they are today. Most texts were identified by the first few words of the text, similar to how we identify songs today. By quoting the first line, Jesus was pointing those who heard Him to the entire psalm.

Why this psalm? What is it about this Psalm that Jesus is drawing attention to as He hangs on the cross?

Psalm 22, written by David, expresses a cry for deliverance while he was being pursued and surrounded by his enemies. While it applied to David’s own circumstances, it also prophetically pointed to the coming Messiah. And, remarkably, it aligns in striking detail with the events of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Consider these parallels:

• Psalm 22:7-8 – All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, “Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
• Matt 27:39 – And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads. Matt 27:43 – He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.

And,

• Psalm 22:16 – For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
• Luke 23:32-33 – Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him. When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

And,

• Ps 22:18 – They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
• Matt 27:35 – And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.

Yet Psalm 22 is not only a cry for deliverance—it is also a testament of the Lord’s deliverance. Jesus knew that His suffering would not end in despair and disappointment, but in triumph.

Rescue and Triumph

Beginning in verse 22, the tone of the psalm shifts to praise. In verse 24, David declares that the Lord “has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; but when he cried to Him for help, He heard.”

This is the truth Jesus was affirming—both for Himself and for those around Him: The Lord will deliver His anointed King (Ps 20:6) and will answer His afflicted when they call (Ps 31:22).

Jesus was not abandoned to the grave, but He was delivered. On the third day, He rose again, in triumph, just as the movement of Psalm 22 prophesied. His resurrection is the ultimate evidence of God’s deliverance and the fulfillment of His mission.

Our Deliverance in Jesus

Jesus fulfilled His mission by truly becoming sin for us and taking our sins upon Himself. In doing so, He was truly forsaken by the Lord, for nothing unclean can stand in His presence. This is the devastating reality of sin—it creates an unfathomable separation between us and God, cutting us off from His presence and His love. Unless that sin is dealt with, there can be no reconciliation or relationship with the Lord. 

What this abandonment meant for the Son of God is beyond our full understanding. Yet Jesus underwent it on our behalf so that we would not have to. He conquered the power of sin—death itself—so that we, who could never overcome it on our own, might share in His victory. We enter into that victory by turning to Jesus and abandoning all human efforts to save ourselves. Through faith, not by our works, we are united with Him in His death, resurrection, and glorification, and in Him we are reconciled to the Father.

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, let us remember that He became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21); he was forsaken so we can be adopted as children by God. His triumph over death guarantees it for us!