Book of Mark - Chapter 15 - Verse 34
Meaning
At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, quoting the opening words of Psalm 22 in Aramaic, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This verse is significant as it captures the moment when Jesus, being fully God and fully human, experienced the depth of separation from God the Father as He bore the sins of the world on the cross. The cry of Jesus reflects the intense agony and suffering that He endured on behalf of humanity, fulfilling the prophetic words of Scripture. Despite feeling abandoned in that moment, Jesus' cry ultimately reveals His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father's will and providing redemption for all who believe in Him. This pivotal moment in Jesus' crucifixion serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrificial love and atonement that He offers to all who call upon His name in faith.
Theological Overview
One significant theological interpretation of the verse where Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" can be found in the concept of Jesus' identification with humanity in his moment of utter anguish on the cross. Scholars point out that by quoting the opening verse of Psalm 22, Jesus not only draws attention to the prophetic nature of the Psalm itself but also highlights his role as the suffering servant. The verse underscores the humanity of Christ as he experiences the full weight of sin and separation from God on behalf of all humanity. The word study of 'sabachthani' in Aramaic further emphasizes the deep sense of abandonment and despair Jesus felt in that moment, as it signifies a feeling of being utterly deserted by God. Overall, this verse showcases the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and his willingness to bear the burden of sin for all people, highlighting the profound love and redemption found in the crucifixion narrative.