Forsaken for Us: The Depth of Christ's Sacrifice

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I explored the profound depths of Jesus' cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This question, echoing from the lips of our Savior, encapsulates the essence of the crucifixion and the heart of the gospel.

I began by examining the nature of sin and salvation, drawing from John Stott's insight that sin is man substituting himself for God, while salvation is God substituting Himself for man. This substitution is vividly portrayed in Jesus' cry, which is not a whimper but a powerful, intentional declaration. Jesus, fully present and aware, quotes Psalm 22, prophesied by David, to express the agony of His execution and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The darkness that enveloped the land during Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes the weight of sin and the judgment it incurs. This darkness, a divine response to the sin of the world, was a prelude to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus was making. The tearing of the temple curtain at the moment of Jesus' death signifies the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new way to God—directly, without the need for a priest or any other mediator.

I delved into the mystery of the Trinity and the separation experienced between the Father and the Son on the cross. This separation was more painful than any human betrayal or loss because it was the rupture of an eternal, perfect relationship. Jesus' obedience to the Father led not to life, as was the case with Adam, but to being crushed for our sake.

The crucifixion was not only about bearing the punishment for sin but also about removing its effects. Jesus' sacrifice addresses our greatest need, which is spiritual, not physical. By taking our place, Jesus grants us direct access to God, allowing us to stand boldly before Him without fear of death or judgment.

Finally, I emphasized the personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice. It was for each one of us, individually, that He was forsaken. The Great Exchange on the cross—our sin for His righteousness—means that we are now treated by the Father as He treats Jesus. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' cry from the cross is not a sign of defeat but a profound fulfillment of prophecy and an expression of His complete awareness and presence in the midst of His suffering. This cry demonstrates that even in His darkest moment, Jesus was purposefully fulfilling His mission to save humanity. [13:09]

- The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death symbolizes the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new, direct relationship with God. We no longer require intermediaries to approach God; through Christ's sacrifice, we have been granted the privilege of personal communion with our Creator. [08:28]

- The separation of the Father and the Son on the cross is a mystery that reflects the profound cost of our redemption. The eternal bond between the Father and the Son was momentarily broken for our sake, a sacrifice beyond human comprehension, highlighting the depth of God's love for us. [16:25]

- The crucifixion addresses our deepest need, which is spiritual. Jesus' victory over sin and death means that we no longer need to fear the ultimate enemy, death. In Christ, we have the assurance of eternal life and the defeat of sin's power over us. [11:57]

- The personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice is central to understanding the gospel. He was forsaken on the cross so that we might be accepted by God. This exchange—His righteousness for our sinfulness—transforms our relationship with God and grants us the status of beloved children in His family. [20:23]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 27:45-46 - "From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')."
2. Psalm 22:1 - "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"
3. Hebrews 10:19-20 - "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body."

#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event occurred when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:45-46)
2. How does Psalm 22:1 relate to Jesus' cry on the cross?
3. What does the tearing of the temple curtain symbolize according to Hebrews 10:19-20?
4. What was the significance of the darkness that covered the land during Jesus' crucifixion? [03:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Jesus' cry from the cross considered a fulfillment of prophecy rather than a sign of defeat? [14:24]
2. How does the tearing of the temple curtain change the way we approach God? [08:28]
3. What does the separation between the Father and the Son on the cross reveal about the cost of our redemption? [16:25]
4. How does Jesus' sacrifice address our deepest spiritual needs rather than just our physical needs? [11:57]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt forsaken or abandoned. How does Jesus' cry from the cross provide comfort or perspective in those moments? [02:19]
2. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies direct access to God. How can you make use of this privilege in your daily life? [09:12]
3. The separation between the Father and the Son was a profound sacrifice. How does understanding this deepen your appreciation for Jesus' love and sacrifice? [16:25]
4. Jesus' sacrifice addresses our deepest spiritual needs. What are some spiritual needs in your life that you need to bring before God? [11:57]
5. The Great Exchange on the cross means we are treated as Jesus is by the Father. How does this truth impact your identity and how you live your life? [20:23]
6. Jesus was fully aware and present in His suffering. How can you remain present and purposeful in your own times of suffering or hardship? [14:24]
7. How can you explain the significance of Jesus' sacrifice to someone who may not understand the depth of what He did for us? [22:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Fulfillment Amidst Forsakenness
In the darkest hour on the cross, Jesus uttered a cry that reverberated through history and theology: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This was not a cry of defeat but a declaration of prophecy being fulfilled. Jesus, in His anguish, was fully aware of His role in the grand narrative of redemption. He chose to quote Psalm 22, a scripture that foretold the suffering of the Messiah, to articulate the depth of His sacrifice and the profound nature of His mission. This moment was a deliberate act to bear the weight of humanity's sin and to bridge the chasm it had created between God and man.

The cry from the cross is a powerful reminder that Jesus was not a passive victim but an active participant in God's redemptive plan. He was forsaken so that no one else would ever have to experience true separation from God. This act of ultimate love and substitution is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. [13:09]

Psalm 22:1-2 (ESV)
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest."

Reflection: How does understanding the purpose behind Jesus' cry on the cross change your perspective on your own moments of feeling forsaken or alone?


Day 2: The Curtain Torn, A New Way Born
The moment Jesus breathed His last, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, signifying the end of the old covenant and the ushering in of a new, direct relationship with God. This dramatic event symbolized the removal of barriers that had once separated humanity from the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the need for earthly priests and sacrifices was made obsolete, and a new era of grace was inaugurated.

Believers are now invited to approach God with confidence, not because of their own righteousness, but because of the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. The tearing of the curtain is a tangible sign of the new intimacy available to all who come to God through Jesus. It is a profound reminder that the way to God is open, and the invitation to enter His presence is extended to everyone, regardless of their past or present. [08:28]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: What does the torn curtain mean for your personal approach to God, and how can you live out this newfound intimacy in your daily spiritual practices?


Day 3: The Mystery of Divine Separation
The crucifixion of Jesus presents a profound mystery: the temporary separation within the Trinity. The eternal and perfect relationship between the Father and the Son experienced a rupture as Jesus bore the sins of the world. This separation was a necessary part of the redemptive process, a demonstration of the lengths to which God would go to rescue humanity. The pain of this moment was unlike any human experience of betrayal or loss, for it was the breaking of a bond that had existed since before time.

This divine separation is a testament to the gravity of sin and the incredible cost of salvation. It underscores the love of God, who was willing to endure such a break for the sake of mankind. The mystery of the cross challenges believers to contemplate the depth of God's commitment to their redemption and to respond in awe and gratitude. [16:25]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: How does the reality of the Father and the Son's separation on the cross deepen your understanding of the sacrifice made for your salvation?


Day 4: Spiritual Need Over Physical Relief
The crucifixion was a pivotal event that addressed humanity's deepest need—the need for spiritual restoration. Jesus' death was not just about enduring physical pain or the punishment for sin; it was about conquering the effects of sin, which is spiritual death. By triumphing over sin and death, Jesus secured eternal life for all who would believe in Him. This victory means that the ultimate enemy, death, has lost its sting, and the power of sin has been broken.

Believers are called to recognize that their greatest need is not physical comfort or worldly success but reconciliation with God. Jesus' sacrifice ensures that this need is met and that they can live in the freedom and hope of His victory. The assurance of eternal life changes the way one views every aspect of existence, infusing it with purpose and direction. [11:57]

1 Peter 2:24 (ESV)
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from temporal concerns to the eternal reality that Jesus has secured for you through His sacrifice?


Day 5: The Personal Nature of the Cross
The crucifixion was not a generic event; it was intensely personal. Jesus was forsaken on the cross for each individual, bearing their sins and offering His righteousness in return. This Great Exchange means that believers are now seen by the Father as He sees Jesus—righteous and beloved. This transformation in status brings about a new identity as children of God and members of His family.

Understanding the personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice is crucial to grasping the gospel. It is not just a story of a distant historical figure; it is the narrative of a Savior who knows and loves each person intimately. The cross is an invitation to enter into a relationship with God that is marked by acceptance, love, and forgiveness. [20:23]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: How does the personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice influence the way you view your relationship with God and with others?

Quotes

1) "Jesus shrieks, he cries there's Total Blackout. The Greek tells us the word cry is actually shriek. If you're making the story up, you wouldn't make your God crying at the time of his death. In fact, every other religion tells their story of how their hero dies with great courage and saying great heroic things. Jesus shrieks, he cries there's Total Blackout." [04:26]( | | )

2) "The curtain is ripped in two, it's torn from top to bottom. God cries and the curtain is torn in two and in that moment what is happening? We're all being told you don't need a special day, you don't need a special location, you don't need a special time, and you don't even need another person. You now can come before God boldly before him anytime in any need confessing your sin directly to him." [08:28](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

3) "Jesus was forsaken so that you and I might be forgiven. Now it's not just removing the price and punishment of sin, Jesus is also removing the effects of sin. The effects of sin, he's taking care of our greatest need, our spiritual condition. He deals with that, it's our greatest need. Our greatest need isn't physical, it's spiritual." [11:57]( | | )

4) "Jesus, you obey me, you obey me and I will crush you. What does Jesus do? He perfectly obeys his father. Perfect obedience. Why? For the glory of God, good answer, true. Why else? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Listen friends, here's the answer: you. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? The father says because of Kyle, you put your name in there." [20:23](Download clip | Download cropped clip | Download captioned clip)

5) "The father treats you like he treats Jesus. Are you kidding me? This is mind-boggling. I don't deserve that. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? So it is written, the first Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven." [21:06]( | | )

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Transcript
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