Day 36 - Why Have You Forsaken Me?

by Grace Outlaw

Matthew 27; John 15; Luke 23

When my son was an itty-bitty toddler, I remember a time I stopped to get fuel for my car. In the time it took me to scan my card, input my zip code and start pumping gas, I heard my son crying. I quickly opened the door to see what was wrong, and through the heart-wrenching, heaving sobs, my son only managed to exclaim one thing over and over, “You left me!”

When I ducked out of sight to pump gas, my son strapped safely in his car seat could no longer see me, and came to the only logical conclusion a well-loved toddler with an under-developed prefrontal lobe can come to: his mother had forsaken him.

The crucifixion of Jesus stands at the very center of the Christian faith – an ugly prerequisite to the glory of the resurrection – but it is one of the most difficult topics to reflect upon.

Matthew 27 gives us a vivid account of this event. Jesus, although innocent and tried unjustly, was crucified between two criminals at Golgotha. As he hung from the cross, he endured mockery, humiliation, and unimaginable pain. 

One of the most profound moments of the account of the crucifixion is Jesus’ cry of anguish as he was separated from God the Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

As a mother (and I think many of us parents can relate) I often reflect on the depth of love I have for my boys. While words cannot adequately express the love we have for our children, it often takes shape in action. This kind of love – fierce and unconditional – gives us a glimpse into the heart of God as revealed through Jesus’ crucifixion.

“Greater love has no one than this: than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Jesus lived these words. His death was not merely an act of duty or obedience – it was an expression of profound and sacrificial love. Love compelled him to willingly endure unimaginable suffering. Love kept him on the cross when he had the power to come down. Love held him there – more than nails or soldiers. It was his unwavering commitment to save us. 

At the end of this day, Jesus’ family, his friends, his followers were broken-hearted. Despondent. Desperate. Without hope. But just like my little boy had no idea his mother had not left him, and that she was right there with him, the disciples could not have known that Jesus’ crucifixion would end in redemption. Thankfully for humanity, suffering would not have the final word.

Even in his darkest moments on the cross, Jesus promised hope to the repentant criminal beside him. “Truly, I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43) Likewise, in our own trials, we can find comfort in knowing that suffering… death… despair… it’s not the end. It’s not our end. Because we have a savior who loves us enough to lay down his life for us. 

And Sunday is coming.