It is a question that has haunted humanity since the Garden of Eden. Job and his three friends wrestled vigorously with it before admitting utter defeat. Parents who have lost young children have heard its seemingly endless echo. Children who have had to watch helplessly as a parent suffered the ravages of a terminal disease have heard it persistent, merciless chorus. It is the refuge of atheists, a treacherous reef that shipwrecks faith in God.
To become humanity’s merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God and to make propitiation for the sins of the people, Hebrews 2:17 states that in all things Jesus had to be made like His brethren. For the Son of God to have completely identified with the offspring of Adam—in all things—He surely would have needed to wrestle with this heartbreaking, nagging question.
He did.
With His back lacerated by many stripes, a crown of thorns mockingly driven into His head, spittle upon His face, His hands and feet pierced with nails driven into the rough timber of a cross, His garments being divided as compensation for His executioners, publicly humiliated outside the city of Jerusalem, His heart melted like wax, His strength dried up like a potsherd, His tongue clinging to His jaws in thirst, He cried out with a loud voice, saying “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani.”
“My God, My God, why…?”
“In that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).
Praise God for such a Savior!
