Most will immediately recognize these words of Jesus that came from the cross, as recorded by Matthew (27:46) and Mark (15:34). What many may not realize is that Jesus is not the only person to ever utter these words. In fact, I believe Jesus, while in agony from His separation from the Father, was not saying these words for His own grief. Rather, I believe He was making a last attempt for people to open their eyes and open their hearts. Many may not realize this, but Jesus was calling to the attention of the Jewish witnesses Psalm 22 where David opened with these very words.
It is unclear in what situation David was when he wrote these words, but the parallels with Jesus’ crucifixion should open our eyes. Compare verses 6-8 with Matthew 27:39-44 and Mark 15:29-32. Also, think about verses 14-18. Dislocated joints and severe dehydration were common side effects of crucifixion. Piercing of the hands and the feet were common ways to secure a criminal to a cross. A way to speed up death was to break the legs; if they could not push themselves up, they could not breathe. However, remember that Jesus died before that could happen to Him (John 19:31-37). When Jesus had been crucified, the soldiers cast lots for His clothing (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23-24). Jesus called to mind words written 1,000 years prior that were coming to pass before their very eyes; let us not miss it as they did.
