12.4 Forsaken by God
The Cry of Abandonment: Jesus’ Death as the Key to Redemption

Read Mark 15:33–41. What were Jesus’ only words on the cross in the Gospel of Mark? What does Christ’s death ultimately mean for all of us?

In Mark 15:33–41, we read Jesus’ last words on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). These words, also known as the “Cry of Abandonment,” express the deep suffering and isolation that Jesus experienced in that moment. Jesus quotes Psalm 22:2, indicating that His death is not just a moment of despair but the fulfillment of Scripture. Even in the darkest moment, God’s plan is unfolding.

1. The Meaning of Abandonment

The “Cry of Abandonment” reveals the deepest human experience of Jesus: separation from God. This moment symbolically represents the burden of the world’s sins that Jesus has taken upon Himself. In this abandonment, Jesus bears the full weight of sin and separates Himself—albeit temporarily—from the immediate fellowship with the Father to redeem humanity. His abandonment is a necessary part of the redemptive work, as Jesus takes upon Himself the judgment of sin on our behalf.

2. The Fulfillment of the Divine Plan

Although Jesus’ death on the cross appears to be a defeat, Mark shows that through this act, God’s plan is fulfilled. The dark hours and the tearing of the temple curtain (Mark 15:38) indicate that Jesus’ sacrifice initiates a new phase of redemption. The old sacrificial system is replaced by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, and the curtain that symbolized the separation between God and humanity is removed. This opens the way to God for all people.

3. The Parallels Between Baptism and the Cross

The parallels between Jesus’ baptism and His crucifixion show that His ministry, which began with baptism, reaches its climax at the cross. Just as the heavens opened at His baptism, the temple curtain is torn at the cross, and while God’s voice called Jesus the “beloved Son” at baptism, the Roman centurion at the cross declares that Jesus is the “Son of God.” These parallels underscore that Jesus’ death is the culmination of His mission—He dies as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

4. The Beginning of a New Phase of Redemption

The tearing of the temple curtain is a symbolic act that shows the old covenant sacrificial system is fulfilled. With Jesus’ death, direct access to God is made possible. The separation between God and humanity caused by sin is abolished through Jesus’ death. A new era of redemption begins, where people are saved not through sacrifices in the temple but through faith in Christ’s sacrifice.

5. Suffering as Part of the Divine Plan

Jesus’ path of suffering and the physical agony He endures on the cross fulfill the prophetic scriptures (cf. Psalm 22). The unimaginable pain He endures—the nails through His wrists, the suffocating sensation when raising His body—is not only a demonstration of human cruelty but also part of the divine plan for redemption. Jesus’ willingness to suffer shows that true love and dedication know no bounds.

Conclusion

Jesus’ words on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” express the depth of His suffering and abandonment He bore to redeem humanity. However, His death is not the end but the beginning of a new phase of redemption. Through His sacrifice on the cross, access to God is made possible for all people, and Jesus’ abandonment leads to reconciliation between God and humanity.

Despite the evil machinations of humans, God’s intentions were fulfilled. Why should this help us learn that, no matter what is happening around us, we can still trust God and know that His goodness will ultimately triumph?

The crucifixion of Jesus powerfully demonstrates that even in the darkest moments, where it seems that evil machinations and human wickedness are triumphing, God’s plan is still being fulfilled. The example of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection teaches us that God’s intentions and His goodness will ultimately prevail, even when circumstances appear hopeless.

1. God’s Plan Overcomes Human Failure

The religious leaders and Roman authorities thought they had the upper hand by condemning and crucifying Jesus. However, this apparent defeat was part of God’s plan for the redemption of humanity. This shows us that God’s plan is often greater than we can understand in difficult moments. Even when people do evil or we find ourselves in challenging situations, God remains sovereign and brings His intentions to fruition.

2. Trusting in God’s Control

Knowing that God’s plans cannot be thwarted gives us security. Even when our circumstances are chaotic, painful, or confusing, we can trust that God remains in control. Just as Jesus seemed abandoned and defeated on the cross, we know today that this was the beginning of the victory over death. In our own life experiences, we can trust in God’s sovereign power, which brings good out of evil intentions (Romans 8:28).

3. God’s Goodness Will Triumph in the End

Jesus’ resurrection proves that God’s goodness will ultimately triumph, no matter how bleak the circumstances. Even death could not stop God’s love and goodness. When we look to the promise of the resurrection, we learn that we can hope for God’s ultimate intervention in times of need, suffering, or confusion. His victory over evil and death assures us that His goodness will have the final word.

4. Faith in Difficult Times

In difficult times, it is often hard to recognize God’s work. However, the story of the crucifixion teaches us that God often works behind the scenes and fulfills His plans in ways we do not immediately understand. When we look at Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, we can learn to trust in God’s goodness amidst chaos and pain, remembering that He is always with us and has a plan for our lives.

Conclusion

The crucifixion of Jesus shows us that God’s goodness and plan cannot be thwarted despite evil machinations and human wickedness. No matter how dark our circumstances may be, we can trust that God is working everything for good. His love and goodness will ultimately triumph, and this trust gives us hope and strength to remain steadfast even in difficult times.

The connection between Jesus’ “Cry of Abandonment” on the cross and our daily lives as well as our faith lies in the profound message of trust and hope amidst suffering and despair.

1. Experiencing Abandonment in Daily Life

Just as Jesus felt abandoned by God on the cross, there are moments in our lives when we feel abandoned, helpless, or distant from God. These times can be especially difficult when we face loss, pain, or uncertainty. However, Jesus’ words on the cross remind us that even in the darkest moments, God’s plan is still unfolding. His “Cry of Abandonment” shows that even the Son of God experienced moments of despair—a sign that God understands our suffering.

2. Trusting in God’s Greater Plans

Jesus’ death on the cross may have seemed like a defeat, but in reality, it was the greatest victory—the redemption of humanity. Similarly, in difficult times, we often cannot see the purpose or end of our suffering. However, Christ’s death teaches us that God’s plans are often hidden, and we can trust that He is leading everything towards good, even if it does not seem so at the moment. This lesson is especially valuable when we feel that our lives are out of control or that evil intentions are prevailing over us.

3. The Victory of Divine Goodness

Jesus’ death and resurrection show that God’s goodness will ultimately triumph, no matter how dark the circumstances are. For our daily lives, this means that we can always trust in God’s goodness in difficult situations. Even when we question why God seemingly abandoned us in moments of trial or suffering, we can know that His love is stronger than anything that happens to us.

4. Hope in Dark Times

The darkness that fell over the land during Jesus’ crucifixion symbolizes times when we find ourselves in spiritual or emotional darkness. However, just as this darkness at the cross was not the end, darkness in our lives is never the final chapter. Jesus’ resurrection shows that behind the darkness, hope and new life await. This gives us the confidence in our daily lives to trust in God’s light, even in the most challenging phases.

Conclusion

Jesus’ “Cry of Abandonment” and His death on the cross teach us that God never truly abandons us, even when we do not feel His presence. His plan for redemption triumphed even in the darkest hours, and we can apply this truth to our lives. No matter how difficult our circumstances are, God’s goodness will ultimately prevail, and we can walk through tough times with trust and hope, knowing that we are not alone.

True strength is shown in trusting God’s plan even in times of abandonment.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-12-tried-and-crucified-12-4-forsaken-by-god-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

September 18, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 6

¹ And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.

² And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?

³ And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

⁴ How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

⁵ And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

⁶ And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

⁷ And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

⁸ But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

⁹ Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?

¹⁰ And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

¹¹ And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.

¹² And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

¹³ And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

¹⁴ Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

¹⁵ Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

¹⁶ And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

¹⁷ And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;

¹⁸ And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.

¹⁹ And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

²⁰ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

²¹ Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

²² Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

²³ Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

²⁴ But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.

²⁵ Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.

²⁶ Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

²⁷ But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

²⁸ Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

²⁹ And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.

³⁰ Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

³¹ And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

³² For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

³³ And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

³⁴ And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

³⁵ But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

³⁶ Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

³⁷ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

³⁸ Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

³⁹ And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?

⁴⁰ The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

⁴¹ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.

⁴³ For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

⁴⁴ For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

⁴⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

⁴⁶ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

⁴⁷ Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

⁴⁸ He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

⁴⁹ But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction

Luke chapter 6 provides a comprehensive presentation of Jesus’ teachings and actions, highlighting His divine authority and His understanding of God’s will and commandments. In this chapter, Jesus confronts religious misunderstandings, demonstrates His power through healings, and teaches revolutionary principles of love, grace, and justice. Particularly noteworthy are the emphasis on the Sabbath as a day of grace, the calling of the twelve apostles, as well as the famous Beatitudes and teachings on loving enemies and merciful behavior.

Commentary

In Luke 6, we encounter two central themes: the understanding of the Sabbath and the nature of true love and mercy. Jesus first addresses the Pharisees who criticize Him and His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. Instead of adhering to the rigid rules of the Pharisees, Jesus clarifies that the Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. His statement, “The Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath” (Luke 6:5), underscores His authority and the importance of grace over ritualistic obedience to the law.

Another highlight of the chapter is the healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. Jesus poses the question of whether it is lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath. This rhetorical question prioritizes love for one’s neighbor and mercy over literal obedience to commandments. Jesus demonstrates that true holiness does not lie in rigidly adhering to rules but in helping those in need and promoting life.

Luke 6 also contains Jesus’ teachings on love, including the famous instruction to love enemies (Luke 6:27-35). Jesus challenges His listeners to overcome human nature and show a divine love that is not focused on reward or reciprocity. This radical concept of love reveals the depth of Jesus’ message and clarifies that true discipleship involves selfless actions and forgiveness.

The concluding verses, which include the parable of the building on a solid foundation (Luke 6:47-49), emphasize the importance of acting according to Jesus’ teachings. Only those who hear Jesus’ words and put them into practice build their lives on a firm foundation. This emphasis on obedience to divine commandments, not just in words but in deeds, is a central theme of this chapter.

Summary

Luke chapter 6 is a powerful testimony of Jesus’ teachings on the Sabbath, true mercy, and unconditional love. It illustrates that God’s religious commandments should not be understood as rigid rules but as means to spread love and grace. Through the healing of a man on the Sabbath and His instruction to love enemies, Jesus shows that the pursuit of love for one’s neighbor and mercy is at the core of the faith. The call to not only hear Jesus’ words but also put them into action reminds us that faith must be lived through concrete actions.

 

Introduction

Chapter 63 highlights the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, based on the accounts from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It represents the moment when Jesus is publicly recognized as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 becomes clear. The events are filled with jubilation, hope, and deep misunderstandings about the true nature of Jesus’ mission. The contrast between the people’s joy and Jesus’ personal sorrow over Jerusalem’s fate adds emotional depth to the narrative.

Commentary

The triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a significant event that seamlessly aligns with the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. Zechariah 9:9 foretold the arrival of a humble king on a donkey, and this moment is now fully realized in its splendor. Jesus, who had long refused royal honors, now allows himself to be celebrated as the Messiah. This not only reveals his self-identification as King but also his conscious preparation for the forthcoming sacrifice.

The crowd accompanying Jesus is filled with great enthusiasm. They see him as an earthly deliverer who will overthrow Roman rule and restore the Kingdom of Israel. This misunderstanding illustrates how much the people failed to grasp the true nature of Jesus’ mission. They expected a political ruler, but Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual. While the crowd shouts “Hosanna,” Jesus feels deep sorrow, knowing the suffering that awaits both him and Jerusalem. This tension between the people’s joy and Jesus’ grief over the city’s hardened heart makes this passage so poignant.

Particularly significant is the moment when Jesus weeps over Jerusalem. Despite the jubilation surrounding him, he knows that the city will not accept the true salvation. The prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction and the symbolic meaning of this event are central to understanding Jesus’ mission: He came to save, but many rejected him.

Summary

Chapter 63 describes the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, accompanied by the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah. While the crowd rejoices in anticipation of an earthly king, Jesus is deeply moved as he foresees the suffering awaiting Jerusalem. His entry marks the beginning of the final phase of his life, in which he will offer himself as the Savior of the world. The events illustrate the contrast between the expectation of an earthly ruler and the true spiritual mission of Jesus as the Redeemer of humanity.

 

Introduction

Chapter 64 is based on the accounts in Mark 11:11-14, 20-21 and Matthew 21:17-19. It describes the symbolic cursing of the barren fig tree by Jesus and places this act in the context of the spiritual condition of the people of Israel. The cursing serves as a sign of the consequences of hypocrisy and spiritual fruitlessness, and it is a warning to the Jewish people and all generations who reject God’s grace. Jesus speaks with sorrow about the future judgment of Jerusalem, which results from their rejection of the Messiah.

Commentary

The parable of the fig tree is central to this chapter. Jesus uses the barren fig tree as a symbol for the people of Israel, who outwardly appear devout but inwardly bear no true fruits of faith. The Jews in Jesus’ time presented an external appearance of deep religious life, with their magnificent temple and elaborate worship services. But like the fig tree, which bears only leaves, they lack inner fruit: righteousness, love, and mercy.

Jesus approaches the tree, seeking fruit, just as He came to His people seeking genuine fruit of faith. Instead, He finds only hypocrisy and self-righteousness. The cursing of the tree is a powerful symbol of the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The destruction of the fig tree illustrates the consequences of rejecting God’s grace.

This event not only illustrates the punishment for Israel but also serves as a warning for all time. Anyone who claims to serve God but produces no fruits of faith stands under the same judgment. God’s grace cannot be endlessly abused, and the rejection of His message leads to spiritual withering.

Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because He knows the city will reject the remedy—Himself as the Messiah. His sorrow reveals the infinite love of God, who longs for His people’s repentance, but the responsibility for the coming destruction rests solely on those who refuse to accept His grace.

Summary

Chapter 64 illustrates the cursing of the fig tree as a symbolic representation of Israel’s spiritual condition. The tree, full of leaves but bearing no fruit, represents the people who outwardly appear devout but fail to produce true righteousness. Jesus uses this image to show the consequences of rejecting His grace: spiritual withering and the coming judgment on Jerusalem. Jesus’ sorrow over the city reflects God’s deep love, which hopes for repentance even in the face of rejection. This warning applies to all who reject God’s grace.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/18-09-2024-luke-chapter-6-believe-his-prophets/