If you read my last post, I wrote about the agony of alone-ness Jesus experienced on the cross. From the concern for His mother-whose life she placed with John-to His own guttural scream at His Father’s “absence,” Matthew includes the incident and phrase which none of the others include.
I realize there are those who say Jesus never experienced separation on the cross. He would never be abandoned. But the way I read John’s account leaves little doubt in my mind.
We expect Him to cry out of pain. And He did. What He did not do was get even with His crucifiers and abusers. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.” I Peter 3:21
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter…so He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
The one time He did was a guttural scream directed at His Father. Interesting fact (which you may already know): three times He spoke to His Father. “Father, forgive them.” “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Sandwiched in between is the one: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Notice the word change from Father to God? For the first time He experienced the lack of intimacy He never had before.
What a difference a word makes! “Father.” “God.” I’ve known a lack of intimacy with God. There have been times “Father”-Abba- was on my lips. But so has “God”- a cry of desperation and loneliness.
I’m glad my relationship is not based on my feelings, but on the truth of Scripture. Two cries. Two different meanings. For Jesus. For me. For you.
How was that alone-ness resolved for you? What steps did you take to alleviate that pain?
The only logical ones available to me – prayer and trust. He has come through every time; it is I who is likely to fail or fall short.
They are the best ones Rick…and only ones.
I’m glad my relationship with God is not based on feelings, either. I love how you explained this passage so well. I’ll never look at this scripture in the same way again. So meaningful!
Blessings, Bill!
Thanks Martha. I am an emotional person so I tended to base my relationship on emotions in times past. Then one day I realized it was not. All the better! 🙂 Glad the explanation helped.
To remember, return & refocus on Him. No other way has ever worked.
We are humbled when we do that for sure Kari.
I’m a basket case sometimes. Lonely, amidst the presence of many…but I return to my Baptism daily. And I know that I am already…with Christ…and the life I now live I live by faith…trusting that one day He will make all things new. Including me.
Not sure what you mean by “return to your baptism daily” Steve but I’m sure it is a Lutheran “thing.” However, I do agree with living by faith.
I ditto what Rick said. God’s word is always able to lift me out of my feelings of being alone. For Jesus to suffer that for me reduces me to tears. Good thoughts brother.
The Psalms are great for that.
He’s ready to receive me no matter how I come to Him. Love, desperation, adoration, abandonment.
What a wonderful Savior.
I hope you’re feeling His rest this evening after a ministry-focused day, friend.
Blessings of rest and peace as we move into this week!
It was a very short night Linda. One of those crisis nights. So not a whole lot of sleep (3 hours max). But hopefully I should sleep well tonight. 🙂 Thanks for caring.
Very interesting observations, Bill. Thanks for sharing them. Passing these thoughts along to my hubby. 🙂
Thanks Pam. Hopefully he won’t be too harsh on me. 🙂
I like that you made the distinction between our emotions and our ultimate calling to do and be the right thing. Never easy, always honoring. In the end, what else matters?