About the Execution of Jesus: Forsaken?

Did God really forsake Jesus?

John 8:28–29

[28] So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. [29] And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” (ESV)

John 16:32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.

While Jesus was being arrested, a Peter cut off the ear of a servant of the high priest. Jesus spoke to Peter:

Matthew 26:53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions (72,000) of angels? (ESV)

Just before he died, Jesus cried out loudly in the Aramaic language. One who was raised speaking Aramaic and was a native to that culture reported that what Jesus shouted is always regarded as a cry of triumph, a cry of victory!

Here is this verse from the Aramaic of the Peshitta:

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice and said, "Eli, Eli, lemana shabakthani!" My God, my God, for this I was spared!

God preserved the life of his son so he could become our redeemer. God was continuously with his son, even in this darkest hour.

Jesus finished the work that his father sent him to accomplish. He accomplished our redemption! He overcame the world! He was and is VICTORIOUS!

2025 Keith Radcliffe