Sermons on Matthew 27:46
The various sermons below offer a range of interpretations of Matthew 27:46, each providing unique insights into Jesus' cry from the cross. A common thread among these interpretations is the exploration of Jesus' profound suffering and its theological implications. They all acknowledge the depth of Jesus' experience, whether it is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy, a moment of divine love and justice, or a demonstration of the weight of sin. Interestingly, one sermon suggests that Jesus' cry is a reference to Psalm 22, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy, while another sermon highlights the darkness and spiritual suffering as a sign of Jesus bearing humanity's sins. Despite their differences, these interpretations collectively underscore the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the profound love and justice it represents.
In contrast, the sermons diverge in their theological emphases and interpretations of the Trinity's role during the crucifixion. One sermon challenges the traditional view of divine abandonment by framing Jesus' cry as a declaration of prophetic fulfillment, suggesting continuity in God's plan and the inseparability of the Trinity. Another sermon presents a unique perspective on the Trinity's temporary disruption, emphasizing the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice as an experience of hell necessary for salvation. Meanwhile, a different sermon uses the analogy of a father unable to look at his son in pain to describe God the Father's turning away from Jesus, highlighting the depth of Jesus' isolation and suffering.
Matthew 27:46 Interpretation:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) interprets Matthew 27:46 by suggesting that Jesus' cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" is a direct reference to Psalm 22. The sermon posits that Jesus was not expressing abandonment by God but was instead pointing to the fulfillment of prophecy, as Psalm 22 begins with the same words and describes a scene that mirrors the crucifixion. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus was highlighting the entire psalm, which ultimately speaks of God's faithfulness and deliverance, rather than expressing a literal forsaking by God. This interpretation challenges the traditional view of divine abandonment and instead frames the cry as a declaration of prophetic fulfillment and divine presence.
Jesus' Sacrifice: The Depth of Divine Love and Justice (Tony Evans) interprets Matthew 27:46 as a moment of profound theological significance where Jesus experiences a separation from God the Father, described as an "interruption in the Trinity." This sermon uniquely emphasizes the concept of Jesus experiencing hell on the cross, suggesting that God the Father turned His back on Jesus, effectively telling Him to "go to hell," which is interpreted as Jesus experiencing the full weight of sin and separation from God.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) offers a detailed interpretation of Matthew 27:46 by describing the scene of Jesus' crucifixion and the darkness that fell over the land as a sign of the profound spiritual suffering Jesus endured. The sermon highlights that Jesus bore the sins of humanity and experienced the punishment for those sins, which is equated to enduring hell. The preacher uses the analogy of a father unable to look at his son in pain to describe God the Father's turning away from Jesus, emphasizing the depth of Jesus' isolation and suffering.
Matthew 27:46 Theological Themes:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) presents the theme that Jesus' cry on the cross was not a moment of despair but a profound declaration of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of prophecy. The sermon suggests that understanding this cry as a reference to Psalm 22 reshapes the perception of the crucifixion from one of abandonment to one of divine orchestration and victory. This perspective emphasizes the continuity of God's plan and the inseparability of the Trinity, even in the moment of Jesus' suffering.
Jesus' Sacrifice: The Depth of Divine Love and Justice (Tony Evans) presents the theme of the Trinity's temporary disruption, a unique theological perspective that underscores the gravity of Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon suggests that Jesus' experience of hell on the cross was necessary for humanity's salvation, emphasizing the depth of divine love and justice.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) introduces the theme of Jesus' suffering as a window into understanding sin, hell, love, and faith. The sermon suggests that witnessing Jesus' suffering should lead believers to hate sin, flee from hell, enjoy God's love, and exercise faith, even in the absence of feeling God's presence.
Matthew 27:46 Historical and Contextual Insights:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) provides historical context by explaining that in Jesus' time, psalms were often identified by their opening lines, as they did not have chapter and verse numbers. This cultural practice supports the interpretation that Jesus was invoking the entirety of Psalm 22 with his cry, rather than expressing a singular moment of despair. The sermon also highlights the prophetic nature of Psalm 22, written long before Jesus' crucifixion, and its detailed depiction of the events surrounding the crucifixion, reinforcing the idea of divine foreknowledge and fulfillment.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) provides historical context by explaining the timing of Jesus' crucifixion and the significance of the darkness that fell over the land. The sermon notes that the darkness was not a natural eclipse but a divine act, symbolizing the spiritual weight of Jesus' suffering and the beginning of His atoning work as the sin-bearer.
Matthew 27:46 Cross-References in the Bible:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) references several biblical passages to support its interpretation of Matthew 27:46. It cites Psalm 22, which begins with the same words Jesus cried out and describes a scene that parallels the crucifixion, including the mocking of Jesus and the casting of lots for his garments. The sermon also references the different gospel accounts of Jesus' last words, such as Luke 23:46 and John 19:30, to highlight the consistency and fulfillment of prophecy. These cross-references are used to argue that Jesus' cry was a deliberate invocation of Psalm 22, pointing to God's ultimate deliverance and faithfulness.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) references several Bible passages to support its interpretation of Matthew 27:46. It cites 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and Isaiah 53 to explain that Jesus bore humanity's sins and punishment. Romans 3:25 and 1 John 2:2 are used to describe Jesus as the propitiation for sin, enduring God's wrath. The sermon also references Psalm 22, which Jesus quotes on the cross, to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy and the depth of His suffering.
Matthew 27:46 Christian References outside the Bible:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors or theologians in its discussion of Matthew 27:46.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) references several Christian authors and theologians. Richard Sibbes is quoted to emphasize the ugliness of sin and the need to hate it. The sermon also mentions Martin Luther's statement about God being forsaken by God, highlighting the mystery of Jesus' suffering. Charles Spurgeon is referenced for his insights on faith and depression, illustrating the importance of trusting God's promises even in darkness.
Matthew 27:46 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Living in the Power of the Cross and Resurrection (Northgate Church) uses the analogy of recognizing songs by their opening lines to explain how psalms were identified in Jesus' time. This analogy helps illustrate the idea that Jesus' cry was a reference to the entirety of Psalm 22, rather than an isolated expression of abandonment. The sermon also describes the Trinitarian cross, an artistic depiction where the Father and the Holy Spirit are present with Jesus on the cross, to emphasize the inseparability of the Trinity and the divine presence during the crucifixion.
The Depth of Christ's Love and Our Response (Open the Bible) uses the analogy of a father holding down his child during a painful medical procedure to illustrate God the Father's experience during Jesus' crucifixion. This analogy is used to convey the depth of God's love and the pain of witnessing Jesus' suffering, despite the necessity of the act for humanity's salvation.