Jesus’ cry of abandonment wasn’t a misunderstanding—it was the moment He bore the full judgment of our sin. Dr. Michael Youssef explains how Christ was forsaken so you could be forgiven, accepted, and brought from darkness into light.
When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was not imagining separation from the Father. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the staggering reality of the cross: in that moment, the sin of humanity was laid upon the sinless Son of God, and Jesus endured the judgment every believer deserved.
Dr. Youssef explains why Jesus addressed the Father differently in His anguish—seeing Him as Judge as our guilt was heaped upon Him. This is the center of the Gospel: every person will face God’s judgment, but those who receive forgiveness are those who trust that Jesus took their judgment upon Himself.
You’ll be led to reflect on the breathtaking exchange Christ accomplished:
This devotional is a call to pause, remember, and worship—because your salvation cost Christ everything.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for bearing my sin on the cross. Thank You for Your sacrifice. May I live wholeheartedly for You in the freedom You have secured for me. I want to bring You honor and glory, giving all praise and credit to You for any good You work in my heart. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“. . . walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Love Gives, Part 2: LISTEN NOW