The Cry of Victory

Introduction: Was Jesus Forsaken on the Cross?

Many have read the last words of Jesus according to Matthew and consider them to be proof that God had forsaken Jesus in this moment because He was covered in our transgressions. I believe it was His final attempt to witness the Gospel to these people before His resurrection, and I’m going to show you why.

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

In Matthew 27:46 we see Jesus call out to God, seemingly asking why God has forsaken Him. However, what we should keep in mind is in this time the people did not have Bibles, rather, they would listen to the elders of the church preach the Word as written by the old prophets or matriarchs. They would have listened to these lectures enough to hear the reference to Psalm 22:1 if they heard it. This Psalm is a prophecy recorded by King David, foretelling much of the death of Jesus. Jesus, knowing the people would know this Scripture shouted it so their attention would be drawn to it and they would realize He truly is the Messiah.

He trusted in the Lord let Him deliver Him Psalm 22:7-8 Matthew 27:39-43

One of the most common questions, or objections raised about the crucifixion is that God is so powerful, why did He let the Romans kill Jesus? God or Jesus could have removed Jesus from the cross at any point, in fact Jesus told Pilate in His trial that Pilate only has power because God allowed him to. Now these people believe they have an argument against Jesus so they drive it home as much as they can that He is not God.

They pierced my hand and my feet, they part my garments Psalm 22:16,18 Matthew 27:35

Crucifixion is a gruesome death in which your body is stretched to its limits until you die of asphyxiation. The purple robe resembles royalty and thus mockery.

I may tell all my bones

The Psalmist prophesied in Psalm 22:17 that Jesus’ bones would remain intact, and we see that prophecy fulfilled in John 19:32-36.