The Great work of Christ on the Cross

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

"...according to Matt. 27:46 Jesus said on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Jesus is supposed to be the savior of humanity, but he can't even save himself. Those aren't the words of a man who is voluntarily dying for the sins of humanity or offering himself willingly as a sacrifice for mankind. Those are the words of a man who can think of a hundred places he'd rather be and most assuredly does not have the situation under control." C Dennis McKinsey, EBE, p133.

Also in Biblical Errancy Pamphlets by Dennis McKinsey Pamphlet 2 Q1.

Answer:

Lets look at the passage.

(Mat 27:46-50 NIV) About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" {47} When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah." {48} Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. {49} The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him." {50} And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

Firstly it seems that at least Jesus was in charge of when he died because "he gave up his spirit" and died before the two others who were crucified with him. Secondly, and this is the key, the cry "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me" is a quote from the first verse of the Messianic Psalm 22.

(Psa 22:1 NIV) For the director of music. To the tune of "The Doe of the Morning." A psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

The Jews would have recognised this and know its ending. This also includes the famous phrase in verses 14-18 describing Jesus experiences on the cross.

(Psa 22:14-18 NIV) I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. {15} My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. {16} Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. {17} I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. {18} They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.

Finally we should note that the Messianic Psalm 22 ends in triumph, with all the families of the nations bowing down before the Lord. Thus anticipating the Great Commission and the salvation of billions from all over the earth that Jesus' death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection would inaugur.

(Psa 22:24-31 NIV) For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. {25} From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows. {26} The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him-- may your hearts live forever! {27} All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, {28} for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. {29} All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him-- those who cannot keep themselves alive. {30} Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. {31} They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-- for he has done it.

Isa 53:11. 14:6 also indicates the extent of the gospel, it is without national, tribal, linguistic or ethnic boundaries.

(Isa 53:11 NIV) After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied ; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

(Rev 7:9 NIV) After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

In John 3:16 we have the words "For God so loved the world…" here we have scope of the world that Christ died for "from every tribe and language and people and nation." In Rev 7:9 we have the certainty that Christ's mission will be accomplished because those from every nation, tribe, people and language are standing before the throne praising God. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

Books:

Let the nations be glad! The supremacy of God in missions. John Piper

A vision for missions. Tom Wells

The Puritan Hope. Iain Murray