What Jesus Did! 'Why Have You Abandoned Me?' — Mark 15:33-34

Thursday, December 12, 2024

At noon [when Jesus was crucified], darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. Then at three o'clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
— Mark 15:33-34 NLT

Key Thought

As Jesus died, this was the time of darkness. At midday, all light was snuffed out of the world as Jesus faced ridicule, mockery, shame, brutality, and humiliation alone. He felt as if he had been abandoned, completely. But read Psalm 22, the Psalm Jesus partially quoted on the cross. Notice how it speaks of feeling absolutely abandoned and completely surrounded by enemies. Then read how it finishes:
Our children will also serve him.
Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
His righteous acts will be told to those yet unborn.
They will hear about everything he has done.
(Psalm 22:30-31)
In the middle of humanity's worst moment, Jesus looked beyond the horror with the eyes of faith. He was faithful even though he felt alone. He endured the cross for all of us who need his grace. He trusted that the Father he was honoring with his death would also be the Father who would bring him victory. He felt alone, but his faith led him to trust God would not abandon him (John 16:32) and would lead him to victory.

Today's Prayer

O Almighty God, my Abba Father, please give me the kind of faith that Jesus had. I want to be able to obey and bring you glory even when I feel abandoned and forsaken. Give me that kind of courage. Empower me with that kind of trust. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 22:12-31
  • Hebrews 12:2
  • Hebrews 4:14-16

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:33-34 NLT — "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" —— "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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