The Ten Stages of Christ’s Suffering:  Stage 9

Stage 9:  Why hast thou forsaken me?

There was darkness throughout the land from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. on the day of Christ’s death. At this point, Jesus was experiencing the most intense spiritual and emotional pain of the Calvary’s Cross experience.  Back in the Garden of Gethsemane, the anticipation of this time caused Jesus to ask His Father to find another way.  As He looked into the cup He was asked to drink, the upcoming separation from His Father caused Him to sweat as with great drops of blood. However, when it became apparent that there was no other way and the Will of God was clear to Jesus, He bowed His Will to the Will of His Father.

Matt. 26:39:  And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

And now, between the 6th and 9th hour, the horror of the experience was upon Him, at the point that He was undergoing the pain of His first-time-ever separation from His Father.  He was facing the same pain that those who do not make it into the Kingdom of God will face.  This spiritual pain of separation from His father was far more intense and excruciating than any physical pain could ever be.  His separation caused Him to cry out in desperation and despair: “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

In Matt. 27:46, Jesus cried in agony,

“My God, why hath thou forsaken me?”

His cry told us that losing God’s Presence

It is the most horrific thing that can ever be.

So, let’s fight on Christian soldiers

Despite all that we must endure

Let’s be even more determined

To make access to God’s Presence secure.