Sermons on Matthew 27:45-46
The various sermons below offer a rich exploration of Matthew 27:45-46, each providing unique insights into Jesus' cry of abandonment. A common thread among the interpretations is the connection to Psalm 22, suggesting that Jesus' words on the cross are not merely a cry of despair but a profound invocation of scripture that transitions from despondency to trust. This shared perspective highlights the dual nature of Jesus' experience—both human and divine—as he embodies the feeling of forsakenness while simultaneously fulfilling prophecy. The sermons also emphasize the relational aspect of Jesus' cry, underscoring a personal connection with God even in moments of perceived abandonment. This relational dynamic is further explored through the linguistic nuances of the original Greek and Hebrew texts, which enrich the understanding of Jesus' anguish as both a personal and communal experience.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their thematic focus and theological implications. One sermon emphasizes the theme of divine substitution, portraying Jesus' forsakenness as a necessary part of the Great Exchange, where humanity's sins are transferred to Christ, and believers receive His righteousness. Another sermon introduces the theme of living in the "in-between" spaces, using Holy Saturday as a metaphor for the silence and uncertainty that believers often face, thus encouraging faith and community during times of doubt. Meanwhile, a different sermon focuses on Jesus' identification with human suffering, suggesting that his cry is a reflection of the human experience of feeling abandoned by God, yet it also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Matthew 27:45-46 Interpretation:
Forsaken for Us: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice (Boulder Mountain Church) interprets Matthew 27:45-46 by focusing on the words "cry," "my," and "why." The sermon highlights the Greek term for "cry," which is more accurately translated as "shriek," emphasizing the intensity of Jesus' anguish. The sermon also explores the relational aspect of the word "my," indicating a personal connection between Jesus and God, even in the moment of feeling forsaken. The sermon suggests that Jesus' cry is not just a question but a profound expression of the human experience of abandonment and the divine plan of salvation.
Embracing Silence: Faith and Community on Holy Saturday (Fleming Island United Methodist Church) interprets Matthew 27:45-46 by connecting Jesus' cry to Psalm 22. The sermon suggests that Jesus was invoking the entire Psalm, which begins with a cry of abandonment but transitions into trust and praise. This interpretation implies that Jesus, even in his moment of despair, was recalling the faithfulness of God and the history of Israel's trust in Him.
Finding Healing in Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice (Life in Westport) interprets Matthew 27:45-46 as a profound moment where Jesus, in his dying breath, quotes Psalm 22 to bring to memory the fulfillment of prophecy. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' cry is not a sign of abandonment but a declaration of the fulfillment of scripture, showing that Jesus became what humanity feels—forsaken and broken—to bring about redemption and healing. The sermon highlights the linguistic connection between Jesus' words and the original Hebrew text of Psalm 22, portraying it as a song of despondency that transforms into a song of redemption and faithfulness.
Matthew 27:45-46 Theological Themes:
Forsaken for Us: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice (Boulder Mountain Church) presents the theme of divine substitution, where Jesus is forsaken so that humanity might be forgiven. The sermon emphasizes the Great Exchange, where Jesus takes on the sin of humanity, and in return, believers receive His righteousness. This theme underscores the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the profound nature of salvation.
Embracing Silence: Faith and Community on Holy Saturday (Fleming Island United Methodist Church) introduces the theme of living in the "in-between" spaces, between the cross and the resurrection. The sermon suggests that Holy Saturday represents the silence and confusion that followers of Jesus experienced, paralleling the times of doubt and uncertainty in believers' lives today.
Finding Healing in Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice (Life in Westport) presents the theme of Jesus' identification with human suffering and brokenness. The sermon suggests that Jesus' cry of forsakenness is a reflection of the human experience of feeling abandoned by God, yet it is also a reminder of God's nearness and faithfulness. The sermon introduces the idea that Jesus' suffering and cry are part of a divine plan to bring healing and wholeness to humanity, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice.
Matthew 27:45-46 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Forsaken for Us: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice (Boulder Mountain Church) provides historical context by explaining the significance of the Passover during which Jesus was crucified. The sermon connects the darkness during Jesus' crucifixion to the darkness of the Passover night when the death angel passed over the homes of the Israelites. This connection highlights the fulfillment of the Passover through Jesus' sacrifice.
Finding Healing in Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice (Life in Westport) provides a detailed historical context of crucifixion, explaining its origins and the brutal nature of the punishment. The sermon describes how crucifixion was used by the Romans as a method of execution and deterrence, reserved for slaves and criminals. It explains the physical agony of crucifixion, including the process of suffocation and the etymology of the word "excruciating," which is derived from the Latin term for crucifixion.
Matthew 27:45-46 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Silence: Faith and Community on Holy Saturday (Fleming Island United Methodist Church) references Psalm 22, which Jesus quotes on the cross. The sermon explains how the Psalm begins with a cry of abandonment but includes elements of trust and praise, suggesting that Jesus was invoking the entire Psalm to recall God's faithfulness.
Forsaken for Us: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice (Boulder Mountain Church) references Genesis and the story of Adam, contrasting Adam's disobedience with Jesus' perfect obedience. The sermon also references Jeremiah, where God makes a covenant with Israel, emphasizing the relational aspect of Jesus' cry, "my God."
Finding Healing in Christ's Suffering and Sacrifice (Life in Westport) references Psalm 22 extensively, drawing parallels between the psalm and the events of the crucifixion. The sermon highlights specific verses from Psalm 22 that describe the suffering and mockery Jesus endured, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the psalm. Additionally, Isaiah 53 is referenced to illustrate Jesus as the suffering servant who was pierced for humanity's transgressions, reinforcing the theme of Jesus' sacrificial role in bringing healing and redemption.
Matthew 27:45-46 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Silence: Faith and Community on Holy Saturday (Fleming Island United Methodist Church) references C.S. Lewis, quoting his reflections on feeling God's absence during times of desperate need. This reference is used to illustrate the paradox of feeling God's presence during prosperity but His absence during trials.
Matthew 27:45-46 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Finding Hope in the Darkness of Psalm 88 (HTB Church) uses an illustration from "The Princess Bride," quoting the line "life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." This is used to emphasize the realism of the Bible in acknowledging that believers can experience prolonged periods of darkness. The sermon also references "The Lord of the Rings," describing a scene where Sam gains new strength despite losing hope, illustrating how dark times can transform believers into people of endurance and greatness.