Mark 15:34
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:34
Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” quotes Psalm 22 and marks a profound moment of relational anguish as Jesus bears the weight of sin. It is not evidence of divine abandonment but a deep participation in the human experience of separation from God that sinners feel. Mark records this to show the depth of Jesus’ solidarity with humanity and the cost of redemption.
The cry highlights the humanity of Jesus and the cost of salvation. It also points to faith in the midst of trembling, echoing Psalm 22’s cry that will transition into trust and deliverance. This moment reveals the mystery of the Incarnation: God in Christ experiences the depth of human estrangement so that humans can experience reconciliation with God.
In your own times of spiritual dryness or existential questions, this verse validates your honest cry to God. It is a call to persevere in faith even when you don’t sense God’s presence. Practical steps: bring your honest questions to God in prayer; engage in lament with the Psalms; lean on community for support and accountability.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:1-31; Hebrews 5:7-9; Matthew 27:46; Romans 8:38-39; Isaiah 53:11