Why did Jesus Ask the Father Why He Forsook Him on the Cross? | Michael Heiser

Jesus’ cry on the cross—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—should not be reduced to a translation issue or explained away as purely symbolic, but understood as a real and honest expression of his human experience. Although Jesus fully knew his mission and divine purpose, including his role in overcoming evil and fulfilling Scripture like Psalm 22, this awareness did not remove his capacity to feel deep anguish. As Raymond Brown explains, the moment reflects the height of a dramatic struggle: Jesus is abandoned by his disciples, mocked, and surrounded by darkness, and he experiences the silence of God rather than doubting God’s existence or power. His shift from calling God “Father” earlier to “My God” here reflects a move from intimate closeness to a more universal human expression of distress. Importantly, this is not sinful despair or a loss of faith—Jesus is still praying, which shows continued trust—but rather the emotional weight of enduring suffering without visible divine intervention. This cry should be taken at face value as a genuine human expression that coexists with his divine identity and leads into his ultimate vindication immediately after his death. #jesus #gospel #christ #michaelheiser #baptism #jerusalem #satan #demons #evil #spirituality #spiritual All rights to this material belong to their respective owners. Direct links to the original videos will always be provided when possible. This video is presented in combined format for ease of viewing and educational purposes. Channel Disclaimer: This channel is not operated by or affiliated with Dr Michael Heiser or his official platforms. Comments here do not reach Michael's team. I'm just a fan who saw a need to share his ideas in bite-sized form and make them more accessible for lay audiences here on YouTube, which I believe aligns with Dr Heiser's mission and honours his legacy. If you feel called to give back, please support the Michael S. Heiser Foundation. By joining the DRMSH Community, you are supporting the Michael S. Heiser Foundation. Your participation makes a real difference! Thank you so much, and let's keep Mike's legacy going! Join DRMSH Community here: https://community.drmsh.com/ I encourage you to visit: Dr Michael Heiser's site: http://drmsh.com/ Naked Bible Podcast: https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/