The Fourth Word from the Cross: The
Word of Abandonment
Introduction
The fourth word spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross is one of the most
powerful and emotional statements recorded in the Gospels. During the darkest
moment on the cross, Jesus cried out:
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
This saying is often called the Word of Abandonment because it
expresses the deep suffering and loneliness Jesus experienced while bearing the
sins of the world. This moment shows not only the physical suffering of Christ
but also His spiritual suffering. It reveals the cost of salvation and the
depth of His sacrifice.
The Cry from the Cross
As Jesus hung on the cross, He experienced extreme physical pain,
rejection from people, and now a deep spiritual suffering. When He cried, “My
God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He was expressing the agony of being
separated from the Father while carrying the sins of humanity.
This was not a cry of disbelief but a cry of deep suffering. Jesus was
quoting the opening words of a well-known psalm that speaks about suffering and
later ends with hope and victory. Even in this cry, Jesus was still calling God
“My God,” which shows that He still trusted the Father even in the
moment of suffering.
The Meaning of Abandonment
The word abandonment here does not mean that God stopped loving Jesus or
that Jesus stopped being the Son of God. Instead, it means that Jesus
experienced the weight of sin and the separation that sin causes between
humanity and God.
Jesus took upon Himself the punishment and burden of human sin. He
experienced the loneliness and separation that sinners deserve so that humanity
could be restored and reconciled with God. In this moment, Jesus stood in the
place of sinners and carried their guilt and suffering.
This shows the seriousness of sin and the greatness of Christ’s
sacrifice. Salvation was not free in terms of cost; it was paid through
suffering, sacrifice, and love.
The Suffering of Christ
The fourth word shows us that Jesus suffered not only physically but also
emotionally and spiritually. Many people understand the physical pain of the
cross, but the spiritual suffering was even greater. Jesus felt the weight of
the world’s sin and the loneliness that came with it.
This moment was probably the darkest moment of the crucifixion. Darkness
covered the land, and Jesus cried out in deep anguish. This shows that Jesus
fully experienced human suffering and pain. He understands human sorrow,
loneliness, and suffering because He Himself went through it.
A Lesson for Believers Today
The fourth word from the cross teaches believers several important
lessons.
First, it teaches us that suffering is part of life, and even Jesus
experienced suffering and loneliness. Therefore, when believers suffer, they
are not alone because Christ understands their pain.
Second, it teaches us that even in suffering, we should still call upon
God. Jesus said, “My God,” even in His pain. This shows that faith does not
disappear in suffering; rather, true faith continues to trust God even when we
do not understand what is happening.
Third, it teaches us about the cost of salvation. Jesus was willing to
experience abandonment so that humanity would never be abandoned by God.
The Hope Behind the Cry
Although this word sounds like a cry of despair, it is actually also a
word of hope. The psalm that Jesus quoted begins with suffering but ends with
victory and trust in God. This shows that suffering is not the end of the
story. After the cross came the resurrection. After suffering came victory.
This reminds believers that pain, suffering, and loneliness are not the
final chapter. God’s plan always ends with hope, restoration, and victory.
Conclusion
The fourth word from the cross is the word of abandonment, and it shows
the deepest suffering of Jesus Christ. He experienced loneliness, pain, and
separation so that humanity could be saved and brought close to God. This word
reveals the cost of salvation and the depth of Christ’s love.
It teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we should still trust
God. Jesus trusted the Father even when He felt abandoned. The cross reminds us
that suffering is not the end, and after the cross comes resurrection and
victory.
The fourth word from the cross reminds us that Jesus was abandoned for a
moment so that we would never be abandoned forever.