At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” [Matthew 27.46]
There is no reason whatsoever for anyone to believe Jesus did not know why God forsook Him. Everything Jesus lived and taught pointed to this moment. Jesus was very clear in private conversations with His disciples that He would die this exact death. And this is aside from the fact of Jesus' identity as 'God in the flesh' Who would know all.
The best explanation for Jesus' request on the Cross is the same explanation as God asking Adam and Eve, "Where are you?" after they had sinned in the Garden of Eden. The questions were not for information! The questions were the ask-ers' way of pointing out to the one(s) being questioned what the one(s) being questioned already knew!
God knew where Adam and Eve were - they were hiding, and God knew exactly where they were hiding. God's question served to indicate to Adam and Eve that they were hiding - and that indicated something was terribly wrong. God's question to Adam and Eve pointed out that Adam and Eve had done something terrible and that their fellowship with God had been broken.
Jesus knew why He was on the Cross! He asked God the question to indicate to God (to remind God - to confirm to God) that His plan to save the world was complete! God's answer of confirmation was to tear the veil in the Temple - indicating that Jesus' work had indeed succeeded and the transaction had accomplished the intended goal.
The answers were found in the questions.
Father, I am grateful that Jesus accomplished everything He came to earth to accomplish. I am thankful that faith in Christ puts me in that exact same category!
No comments:
Post a Comment