Wednesday: Forsaken by God
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 18th of September 2024
Read Mark 15:33-41. What are Jesus’ only words on the cross in Mark? What does Christ’s death ultimately mean for us all?
The Gospel of Mark presents the cross as a very dark place, both physically and spiritually. A supernatural darkness descended on Calvary from about noon on that Friday until about 3 p.m. “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour” (Mark 15:33, ESV).
The words of Jesus on the cross are called the “cry of dereliction” as He prays, crying out to God, asking why He has been forsaken. He is quoting from Psalms 22:1. Other references to the same psalm occur in Mark 15:24,29, indicating that the Scriptures are being fulfilled in the death of Jesus. Even in the evil plotting of men, the will of God is being fulfilled.
Image © Darrel Tank at Goodsalt.com
Jesus’ words from the cross are reported in Aramaic along with translation. The words “my God, my God” are Eloi, Eloi in the verse (a transliteration of the Aramaic ’elahi). It would be easy to hear Jesus as calling for Elijah (Aramaic ’eliyyah, which means “My God is YHWH”). This is the mistake that some bystanders make.
What becomes striking about this passage is the parallel it has to the baptism of Jesus in Mark 1:9-11.
| The Baptism: Mark 1:9-11 | The Cross: Mark 15:34-39 |
|---|---|
| John baptizes Jesus | Jesus’ baptism (compare with Mark 10:38) |
| John (Elijah figure; see Mark 9:11-13) | Calling Elijah |
| Heavens split | Veil split |
| Spirit (pneuma) | Jesus expires (expneō) |
| God’s voice “Beloved Son” | Centurion says “Son of God” |
What these parallels suggest is that as the baptism of Jesus in Mark 1:1-45 is the beginning of His ministry, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27, what occurs in Mark 15:1-47 at the cross is the culmination, or goal, of His ministry, as He dies as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The death of Jesus on the cross also fulfills part of the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27. The tearing of the temple veil (Mark 15:38) points to the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, as type meets antitype, and a new phase of salvation history begins.
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Even despite the evil plotting of humanity, God’s purposes were fulfilled. Why should this help us learn that, regardless of what happens around us, we can still trust God and know that His goodness will ultimately prevail? |
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One of the "Aha!" moments of my spiritual journey was when I was listening to Dr Jack Provonsha, a Seventh-day Adventist physician and ethicist, who was the guest speaker at a Staff retreat at Avondale University. (circa 1990) He said the battle between Good and Evil was a much more close-fought battle than most of even imagine. It was a battle for existence. It was a moment that reshaped my ideas about salvation.
We sometimes reduce that battle to a tableau of scenes demonstrating the importance of self-sacrificing love and the fulfilment of prophecy. But we need to remember that prophecy is descriptive rather than prescriptive. If evil had won, then existence as we know it would have ceased.
Jesus' cry, "My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me!" expresses the separation between God the Son and God the Father, experienced by Jesus on the cross in the battle between Good and Evil. That was more anguish than the nails and thorns and mocking and scourging he had received earlier in the day.
I am not a person who agonises over the forensics of the crucifixion and salvation. But, I understand the significance of unselfish love. I resonate with those authors who have tried to represent this moment in history:
Charles Dickens - In The Tale of Two Cities where Carton takes the place of his friend, Darnay who was to be executed.
C S Lewis - The Chronicles of Narnia - the death of Aslan the lion.
Both of these authors in their way have captured something of the spirit and cost of salvation.
Sometimes we think of salvation as eternal life, heavenly existence, and freedom from pain. But, will we ever forget, or even understand the cost?
We live in a world where evil still has power. This morning's news brings stories of new killings in the Middle East. Russia and Ukraine are bent on annihilating one another, again. What do we bring to the table in our discussion about redemption? What have we absorbed from our contemplation of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion? Are we just salespeople for the future, or do we have a salvation message relevant to the present?
Indeed, with the most painful part being completely separated from God His Father during the crucifixion: the effect of sin despite He Himself is sinless.
P.S. in Chronicles of Narnia, Aslan is literally lion Jesus for these points
Book 1: as you mentioned, he died in place of Edward Pevensie but rose again and claim victory.
Book 3: at the end of the book, Aslan appeared as a Lamb before transforming into a Lion (see Revelations 5 for reference). He then said something about being known in another name in our world.
Book 7: separated people left and right at the end of times with those in the right entering into Paradise and implied to have transformed into Jesus.
Maurice – I have always questioned the authenticity of the interpretation of the remarks of Jesus as He suffered the agony inflicted by His tormentors. We know that Jesus Christ and His Father are one in Spirit from the Beginning of time - inseparable. How could we possible think that God had literally 'forsaken' Him at this most important time when God demonstrated that His Son and He were still one in Sprit?
Matt.27:46 and Mark 15:34 use words recorded in Psalm 22. I consider Psalm 22 to be an account of David’s agony about the distance he experiences between himself and his God which also seems to include portions of prophecy. The preceding Psalm 21 speaks to the blessings David received from God, Psalm 22 speaks to the agony inherent in our separation from God, and Psalm 23 relates the assurance that God will never forsake us.
Why then would Jesus’ suffering include being spiritually forsaken by His Father? The Gospel according to Luke does not include this remark mentioned in the books of Matthew and Mark, but it includes a different call from Jesus addressed to God. Jesus is recorded saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” - Luke 23:32. In my opinion, this ought to be the words we as Christians would want to focus our attention on.
How would it be possible for this spiritual relationship to suddenly be severed at the time when prophecy is being fulfilled through God’s original Covenant being re-born and taking shape in the evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? The Christian’s Creed is our belief that we are saved by the Grace/Forgiveness of our sin by God through Faith. I see our Lord and Savior's Faith in His Father's willingness to forgive us to having become the evidence of Grace through Faith, as He became the first fruit of God’s 'reborn/new' Covenant.
I believe that Jesus’ willingness to forgive those who did not recognize Him as the Son of God was pivotal to this event. By forgiving them in His Spirit, at a time when man was still dead in his trespasses and sin, unforgiven and separated from God, Jesus commenced the work of the Covenant of Forgiveness by the Father's Grace through faith.
His faith in His Father's promise and the Father's response honoring His request, forgiving the sin of the unbeliever in the power of His Word, which had separated humanity from God for so long, marks the beginning of humanity's redemption based on forgiveness, through God's Grace, based on one's faith!
These words were said by Christ in his humanity, not his divinity. He was not forsaken.
Brigitte, allow me to "chime in" here, if I may.
I don't believe that Jesus was merely reciting memory verses on the cross, like some melodramatic actor. No, I believe that in His humanity, He was genuinely feeling forsaken by God. I imagine that anyone in that situation would feel the same.
I would like to share this quotation from Ellen White:
I heard a sermon a long time ago which has stuck in my mind because of a line the pastor shared. The line was building off the second paragraph of the above quotation. He said not only would the sinners beside the Cross been consumed by the presence of the Father, but because Jesus had literally taken upon Himself the sins of the entire world, He too would have been consumed. He went on to say that Jesus didn't come to be a burnt offering, but the sacrificial lamb. That was a mind blowing epiphany for me which ties directly into 2 Cor. 5:21. What happened upon the cross is more than meets the eye and indeed reveals the depth of the Father's love for undeserving humanity.
The last words of Jesus from the cross were words of faith because He certainly wasn't feeling God's presence; "into thy hands I commend my spirit". Then He died.
One last thought. The penalty for blasphemy, which is what they wrongfully charged Jesus with, was death by stoning. Yet the religious leaders pressed for crucifixion. Why? Because they wanted to send a message to Jesus, and anyone else that might come after Him, that they were cursed by God. Deut 21:22-23
Shalom my sister!
Indeed!
Hi Sis Brigitte,
This quote from Donald Macleod, writer of the book "Christ Crucified", helps me to understand:
But just to clarify and assure us of God's constancy, in another place Macleod notes:
Happy Sabbath, Brigitte!
“Numbered with the transgressors” is how God describes Jesus in Isaiah 53:12. Yes, amazing Grace!
The miracle of redemption was promised in Genesis 3:15. Numerous times in this week's lesson we learned from the inspired Word that the plan of salvation started even "before the foundation of the world".
Your question is so relevant. We do have a message for right here and now. So many of us, including myself, have a reluctance to share that message. I am inspired by what Jesus did, by His life and His death, to share that message consistently with people who all need to hear it. I pray the Holy Spirit will work through me and you to do this with love and compassion.
God is wonderful! He is marvelous! We can trust Him always because He never fails us! We should worship with everything we have because He is LOVE only! No matter what you and I are going through, God does care! He loves us to the point of becoming mortal and dying for us! That's the God we should live for!!!!
We have a salvation message relevant to these times, we are giving it out all over the world. Satan and his angels are working over time to ban the message. They know their time is short and will do every thing in their power to keep people from choosing the salvation plan, or if you prefer the plan of redemption set forth from the foundation of the world, from reaching potentional redeemable people. The Holy Spirit is working even harder to draw people to the foot of the cross ✝️, if only people will choose the One who can save to the uttermost. Hebrews 7:25.
...The treasury of the jewels of truth is open to all. "Behold, I have set before thee an open door," the Lord declares, "and no man can shut it." No sword guards the way through this door. Voices from within and at the door say, Come. The Saviour's voice earnestly and lovingly invites us: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Revelation 3:8
Revelation 3:18.
Christ Object Lessons 116.3
The idea that God's purposes are fulfilled despite human evil or challenges can be deeply comforting for me. It reassures that God remains sovereign and His plans will not be thwarted by any circumstance, no matter how dire it seems. In the Bible, stories like Joseph's betrayal by his brothers, Jesus' crucifixion, and countless others show that even when evil intentions prevail temporarily, God's ultimate purpose is always for good.
God is in control
God’s timing is perfect
God’s goodness will prevail
In challenging moments, this belief helps provide peace and strength to trust in His plan, knowing that He will bring about the best outcome in the end.
Salvation is going to "cost me my life". When we look at the beginning of life as we know it, from the fall of man, to the crucifixion of our Saviour, Satan had one objective, kill Christ at all cost. Throughout his Old Testament ancestry Satan tried it all, the messed up families, killing of all the babies, etc., and finally he got HIM on the cross! With the whole scene before us we see self preservation of all the disciples, we see a then known "church" with all it's hatred for Christ's "righteousness" doing what it knows is the mind of Satan. From within his people, trying to stop my salvation from being assured, not understanding by doing so the very thing they wanted to stop from happening did happen! The saving of mankind, all the evil that was playing out that day with the entire universe looking on to see what the outcome for mankind would be. "O my father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it,thy will be done." Matthew 26:42. We have it in all of us to ask, why me? The question should be, if not us who? The heaviness of this life weighs down many of us. What will it take for us who call ourselves Christians to understand the cross, or dare I say, to understand the Christ on the CROSS. As was said before, while Satan's agents were at their worst, our Father, and Jesus' Father, was at His eternal, glorious, and infinite best. O hallelujah! This is what it will take to change man (quality or state) that fits him for eternity. We all know who we are, as we take a fresh look at the moments before the cross, and at the cross. May our hearts be transformed, and our understanding be enlightened by his Spirit.
As I study the lesson this week, I am struck by the gravity of the sacrifice made by Jesus. His suffering and death were not merely physical but also emotionally taxing, with little support or comfort from others. It is a testament to His divinity that He endured such hardship for the sake of humanity, despite our ingratitude. It is a wonder that extends beyond both heaven and earth.
Praise be to God that even in the midst of such suffering and darkness, there were those who recognized Jesus' divinity such as the repentant thief and the centurion. This surely offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark moment in history.