Why Have You Forsaken Me: Understanding Jesus' Words on the Cross and Psalm 22

Few words in the Bible carry as much weight as those spoken by Jesus in His final moments: “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me.” Found in the Gospels, this cry from the cross offers a window into the depth of His suffering and the gravity of the sacrifice He made. Understanding what Jesus meant by these words matters for every Christian, as it reveals both the fulfillment of prophecy and the intensity of His identification with our pain.

The meaning behind this phrase isn’t just about abandonment. Jesus’ words echo Psalm 22 and connect the Old Testament to the heart of the Gospel, inviting us to reflect on God’s plan for salvation. As you explore this profound moment, consider how these words deepen faith and bring comfort even in the hardest trials.

The Crucifixion: Context of Jesus' Words

At the center of Christianity stands the cross, a place of agony, immense love, and mystery. The words Jesus spoke as He was crucified—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—strike at the heart of believers everywhere. These words appear in both Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, recorded at the height of His suffering. Grasping their meaning means taking a close look at the scene, the timing, and why these few words have echoed through centuries of faith and personal struggle.

The Gospels’ Description of the Scene

The Gospels paint a vivid picture of Jesus’ final hours. Crucifixion was brutal and public. The sky grew dark from noon until 3:00 PM—a supernatural darkness that added weight to the moment. Near the end of these three hours, Jesus cried out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (translated “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). The crowd misunderstood, thinking He called for Elijah, which brings out how alone He seemed, even among people.

Key details from this Gospel scene include:

• The abnormal midday darkness, as noted in Matthew 27:45 and Mark 15:33.

• The loud, anguished shout—unlike the quiet acceptance of His other sayings.

• The timing: this statement comes as Jesus nears death, highlighting the climax of both His physical pain and spiritual burden.

These details show not just physical suffering, but something deeper—a sense of abandonment that no other person has faced in quite the same way.

Uniqueness and Timing of “Why Have You Forsaken Me”

Out of all the things Jesus said from the cross, this cry stands out. He does not address His followers or speak words of forgiveness, as He does earlier (“Father, forgive them”). Instead, He voices the ancient words from Psalm 22:1, blending raw emotion with Scripture.

Here’s why these words are unique:

• Intensity: Jesus’ cry reveals the weight of humanity’s sin. This is not a simple lament; it hints at separation, even if temporary, between the Father and the Son.

• Personal: Jesus refers to God as “my God” rather than “Father.” This shift underscores the depth of what He is experiencing.

• Scriptural Connection: By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus links His suffering to prophecy and expresses hope within despair.

The timing—at the peak of His agony—signals that something more is happening than physical pain alone.

Theological Debate and Ongoing Reflection

These words have stirred debate for centuries. Many Christians have asked: Was Jesus truly abandoned by God, or was He pointing back to Psalm 22 to show fulfillment of prophecy? The discussion is not just academic; it touches on our deepest questions about suffering, faith, and God’s presence in pain.

Some things theologians and believers have grappled with:

• Did God really turn away? Some believe Jesus took on our sin, experiencing the separation from God that sin creates.

• Psalm 22 as prophecy: Others see the reference as evidence that Jesus never lost faith, but identified with humanity’s pain while fulfilling prophecy at the same time. For an in-depth reflection on the link between Psalm 22 and Jesus’ suffering, visit this comprehensive guide on Psalm 22 and Jesus’ Cry from the Cross.

• Personal relevance: Countless Christians have found comfort knowing that even Jesus experienced feelings of abandonment, reminding us that God knows our darkest moments.

For some, this moment deepens personal faith. It shows how Jesus, even in suffering, speaks the words of Scripture and bridges our pain with God’s promises. To explore how other believers see this profound connection, “What Jesus Was Doing When He Recited Psalm 22 from the Cross” offers a compelling look at Jesus’ purpose on the cross through the lens of Psalm 22 (see analysis here).

Jesus’ statement—“Why Have You Forsaken Me”—remains one of the most discussed, prayed-over, and reflected-upon moments in Christian faith. It not only challenges theological understanding but also brings comfort to those who feel abandoned, knowing that Jesus walked that road first.

Psalm 22: Background and Fulfillment

Psalm 22 stands out among the psalms for its depth of emotion, prophetic clarity, and spiritual comfort. Written by King David nearly a thousand years before Jesus’ crucifixion, it begins with a cry of abandonment familiar to Christians everywhere: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words reach across time, connecting two of the Bible’s most important moments—David’s desperate prayer and Jesus’ final hours. Understanding Psalm 22 matters, especially for believers wanting to grasp Jesus' purpose on the cross.

Recognized by both Jewish and Christian traditions, Psalm 22 mixes honest suffering with a hopeful acknowledgment of God's faithfulness. The psalm’s language and events carry unmistakable Messianic echoes, making it a touchstone for anyone asking why Jesus quoted this passage at the darkest point of His life.

Themes of Suffering and Hope in Psalm 22: Examine how the psalm starts with despair yet ends in trust and hope. Address what this progression means for understanding Jesus' use of these words.

Psalm 22 opens with words that express deep suffering and abandonment. David’s honest pain leaps from the page—he feels despised, mocked, and surrounded by enemies. His physical suffering is detailed graphically, from his “bones being out of joint” to his thirst and the piercing of his hands and feet. These vivid images seem eerily similar to what the Gospels describe as Jesus’ experience on the cross.

Yet, Psalm 22 does not end in despair. Instead, the tone steadily moves toward hope and confidence in God. David shifts from pain to praise, remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. He believes God will rescue him, and he looks forward to a future where the nations praise God together.

Key themes to notice:

• Raw cries of suffering: The psalm’s first half voices deep isolation and anguish. David feels forsaken by God and surrounded by people who scorn him.

• Physical pain and prophecy: Descriptions such as “they pierce my hands and my feet” and “they divide my garments among them” mirror how Jesus suffered during His crucifixion. For more about the prophetic nature of this psalm, consider this analysis of Psalm 22: Prophecy About the Crucified Messiah.

• A turning point: The mood changes as David begins to remember God’s faithfulness and call on Him for help.

• Rising hope: The closing verses celebrate deliverance, praising God’s goodness not just for Israel, but for every nation. David envisions a time when all families of the earth will worship God—something Jesus’ resurrection would later fulfill.

What does this mean for Jesus' use of these words on the cross? When Jesus cried, "Why Have You Forsaken Me," He wasn't just expressing pain. He drew from a psalm every first-century Jew would recognize—one that begins in agony but ends in victory and confidence.

By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus signaled not only His suffering but also the hope and fulfillment promised by God. The structure of the psalm models the Christian experience: pain gives way to trust, and darkest moments can point to future redemption. Modern Christians can relate to this progression, seeing how faith in suffering is honest about pain, yet anchored in hope.

First-century listeners would have understood Jesus’ words as more than a simple lament. The psalm connected Him to prophecy and the Messiah’s suffering. For insight on how ancient audiences received Psalm 22, this article discusses ancient sources and interpretations of Psalm 22.

Overall, Psalm 22 weaves suffering, prophecy, and hope into a tapestry that explains why Jesus chose these words. The psalm frames the cross as a place where God meets humanity’s anguish but does not abandon it. Christians who recognize this find a deep sense of connection—knowing that “Why Have You Forsaken Me” is not just a cry, but an introduction to God’s promise of rescue and restoration. For additional studies or to reflect on related spiritual themes, explore resources available in the Christian Book Store’s spirituality section.

Was Jesus Truly Forsaken by God?

Interpreting Jesus’ cry on the cross, “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me,” has long shaped Christian views on the atonement, sin, and what it means to feel distant from God. These words carry both deep emotional pain and layers of theological meaning, driving intense discussion across Christian traditions. Exploring what happened on the cross means understanding how atonement works in Christian belief—and why sin and separation matter so much in this pivotal moment.

Atonement, Sin, and Separation in Christian Doctrine

Atonement is central to Christianity. It’s the conviction that Jesus’ death restores the broken relationship between God and humanity. From the earliest days of the church, believers taught that sin creates a barrier—a gap that separates people from God’s presence.

Here’s how that works in Christian teaching:

• Sin breaks fellowship with God. Christians believe every person falls short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). Sin, whether large or small, creates distance—a sense of being cut off.

• Sacrifice bridges the gap. In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed as temporary payment for sin. But these sacrifices only pointed forward to something greater.

• Jesus’ sacrifice is unique. On the cross, Christians say Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. Only His death could break sin’s power and open the way back to God (Hebrews 10:10-14).

When Jesus cried out, “Why Have You Forsaken Me,” He expressed this separation in the most personal way. Many theologians point out that Jesus took on humanity’s sin, carrying the weight of all that separates us from God. Some explain that, for a moment, the Son experienced the true depth of alienation caused by sin—so believers would never have to face it themselves.

• Penal Substitution theory: In this view, Jesus bore God’s judgment in our place, leading to a real sense of abandonment (see Did God Abandon Jesus on the Cross? for a Catholic perspective).

• Christ as the sin-bearer: As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us.” For some, this means Jesus felt the full consequences of sin as the one true sin-bearer.

But not all Christians see it the same way. Some stress that Jesus’ quote of Psalm 22 draws attention to prophecy and the hope of deliverance. They note that the end of the psalm moves toward trust and restoration, hinting that Jesus was never truly cut off, even in pain. Still, the cry on the cross shows how fully Jesus entered into the human experience of feeling abandoned.

This moment matters, because it shapes our view of salvation, suffering, and God’s love. God’s holiness demands justice for sin, and Jesus’ sacrifice meets that need. But the story doesn’t end in separation—Psalm 22 and the resurrection both promise hope beyond the cross.

Different branches of Christianity emphasize different aspects of this mystery. Some highlight the objective reality of separation; others focus on Jesus’ solidarity with suffering humanity. But all agree that, in speaking “Why Have You Forsaken Me,” Jesus opened a new way for us to come near to God, no matter how far away we may feel.

For further theological discussion, the article “Why Did Jesus Feel Abandoned? Forsaken By God” breaks down several perspectives and wrestles with what the cross means for understanding God’s character. You can read more at Why Did Jesus Feel Abandoned?.

If you’re interested in exploring additional resources about these beliefs or want to find books that address atonement, separation, and Christian faith, the Faithful Path Community Christian Book Store offers materials for deeper study.

Understanding “Why Have You Forsaken Me” means facing the full cost of sin, the depths of God’s love, and the hope that the cross brings. No matter how you interpret this moment, it remains a defining turning point for every believer.

Why Have You Forsaken Me: Application and Comfort for Believers

The words “Why Have You Forsaken Me” touch every Christian who has ever felt lost, hurt, or distant from God. Jesus’ cry on the cross, echoing the lament of Psalm 22, becomes more than a historical moment—it’s an invitation to find truth and hope in suffering. Even when God feels far away, these words show us that faith survives even the darkest nights. The comfort found in Jesus’ vulnerability can guide us, especially when pain makes it hard to see God’s hand.

Faith in Times of Suffering: Offer practical suggestions for leaning on faith when feeling distant from God, inspired by Jesus' words and Psalm 22.

Walking through deep pain or loss, it’s easy to believe we’re alone. Jesus’ shout from the cross was loud enough to break through centuries, reminding us even the Son of God felt abandoned. Yet, He quoted Scripture with trust embedded in the cry—a model for anyone struggling with doubt or discouragement.

Psalm 22 moves from anguish to hope—teaching us both to express our pain honestly and to look forward to God’s faithfulness. Here are practical ways to anchor yourself in faith during dark times:

• Acknowledge your pain in prayer. Don’t hide your feelings from God. Just like Jesus and David, bring your fear, anger, or confusion into your prayers. Authenticity is the bridge to real comfort.

• Recite Scripture even when it’s hard. Memorize verses from psalms or passages that remind you of God’s promises. Quoting God’s Word aloud can steady your heart, just as Jesus did (consider reflecting on Psalm 22 and Jesus’ Cry from the Cross for further encouragement).

• Look for glimpses of hope. Even small moments—like a sunrise, a kind word, or a memory of past answered prayers—can be signs that God is near.

• Stay connected to community. Suffering alone often deepens the ache. Ask for prayer, talk to trusted friends, or join a small group to share your journey. Sometimes God’s comfort comes through other people.

• Remember past faithfulness. Psalm 22 doesn’t leave David in despair; he remembers how God helped him before. Write down moments in your own life when God showed up and reread them when doubt creeps in.

Jesus’ honesty about His pain gives you permission to be honest too. His confidence in Scripture—even on the cross—shows how faith can persist in the hardest moments. As explored in What Jesus Was Doing When He Recited Psalm 22 from the Cross, trusting God in suffering trains you to look beyond today’s pain.

Sometimes, comfort comes not from clear answers but from knowing Jesus cried out first. His cry means you are not the first, and never alone, in those questions. Faith doesn’t always take the pain away, but it does point to hope and rescue ahead—just as Psalm 22 ends in praise.

If you want resources that address finding hope in suffering, prayer, or practical faith, the Christian Book Store’s spirituality collection offers books and studies to walk with you through difficult seasons.

No matter how loud your questions or silent your prayers, “Why Have You Forsaken Me” is a promise: God understands, God hears, and hope is never out of reach.

Confidence in God’s Presence

In the end, the message behind "Why Have You Forsaken Me" is not just about a single cry on the cross. It is about connection. It draws a line from Jesus’ suffering back to Psalm 22, reminding believers that even deep anguish holds the seeds of trust. Jesus’ words reach through history to reassure every Christian that, even when feelings of abandonment take over, confidence in God's presence is never misplaced.

Jesus’ Words and the Thread of Hope

Jesus did not just quote a random psalm. He pointed to Psalm 22, a text that starts in despair but finishes in hope and praise. His cry was honest about pain but anchored in faith. For Christians, this means that dire moments and honest questions are a real part of spiritual life. God welcomes them.

• The beginning of Psalm 22 sounds like loneliness, but the ending is full of celebration.

• Jesus’ final words show He knew God’s promises would be fulfilled, even in death.

Sometimes, trusting God means holding onto hope when every feeling screams otherwise. Jesus embodied this trust on the cross.

The Invitation to Trust God in Every Season

Believers experience seasons when God feels far away. Jesus understands this better than anyone. His pain was real, but so was His grip on Scripture and God’s character. For Christians wrestling with doubt, Jesus’ cry models turning even doubts into prayers.

Here’s how to live with this confidence:

• Speak honestly to God about pain, just as Jesus did.

• Remember God’s faithfulness in the past, drawing strength for today.

• Trust that suffering does not remove God’s presence. It can deepen awareness of Him.

Even when circumstances shout, “forsaken,” there is a deeper assurance at work. The cross assures us that God is not absent in suffering—He meets us there.

Exploring for Deeper Understanding

The journey does not end with questions. If you want a clearer look at how Psalm 22 fits into Jesus’ cry and what this means for faith today, check out resources like Psalm 22 and Jesus' Cry from the Cross or in-depth studies such as What Jesus Was Doing When He Recited Psalm 22 from the Cross. These guides will help answer deeper questions and show how, even in anguish, Jesus confirmed God's presence.

Confidence in God’s presence does not ignore pain. It faces suffering openly, but chooses to trust that God remains close. The words "Why Have You Forsaken Me" don’t end in abandonment—they point forward to hope and the promise of God never letting go.