One of the most poignant and sorrowful moments of Good Friday takes place when Christ cries out, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”  My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Each time I read or hear these words, I want to reach out and hold the suffering Jesus and sooth his sorrow. It does not make it any easier to know that He choose this path from the beginning of time in concert with the Father.  Jesus’ “human free will” makes this plea.

It is confusing.  God made this decision from the beginning of time. To fulfill the decision, Christ had to suffer and die.  Yet in His human nature, this suffering and death has brought him to the brink of despair – enough to cry out to His God with this heartbreaking question: “Why have You left me alone in this battle?”

Christ’s humanity shows forth with these words. His despair, confusion and sorrow bring about this final prayer to the Father.  These are the last words which Jesus speaks before he dies. 

Do we wonder why God has abandoned His Son? We have the luxury of history to put these events into perspective. Jesus had to die to fulfill his mission of redemption. This knowledge does not make the events that took place during Holy Week less painful or cruel.  At the time of these words, Jesus is feeling the full force of the torture and he wants relief-as we all would want.

For me, seeing this very human side of Jesus helps me to trudge along the path of life with all its ups and downs and in betweenness. 

God did not forsake Jesus.  After He dies, He rises again triumphant on the third day-just as promised! As will we, thanks to His sacrifice for the people He loves unconditionally.

Take time today to walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary. A very real man/God who loves His people so much that He was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice that they may enjoy eternal life with Him.

Terri