April 6, 2025

Was Jesus Forsaken? – Matthew 27:46

Ice Breaker

1. Read Matthew 27:15-55 as a group.
2. Discuss. What stood out to you the most in this passage? Was there a verse, a phrase, or an image that really grabbed your attention?

Loving God Unreservedly

3. Why do you think darkness covered the land for three hours? What might God have been communicating through that darkness?
4. Read Matthew 27:51. What is the significance of the temple curtain being torn from top to bottom?

Loving People Sacrificially

5. Have you ever felt abandoned by God or like he was silent?
6. Read Matthew 27:46. What emotions do you think Jesus felt in that moment?

(cf. Psalm 22:1)

7. Read Matthew 27:47-49. What does this reveal about the crowd’s expectations or confusion about who Jesus really was?
8. What is one thing about Jesus’ suffering and death that stands out to you or challenges you personally? How can this part of the story shape the way you approach suffering, prayer, or trust in God?

Making Disciples Purposefully

9. Read Matthew 27:54. What would it take for someone today to make that same confession?
10. How can you share Jesus’ crucifixion with someone who’s feeling spiritually in the dark or distant from God?

Dig Deeper (optional/personal study)

11. Research: The other Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 27:45-50; Mark 15:33-37; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:28-30), describe the specifics of the time frame for Jesus’ most intense suffering on the cross. Compare the gospels.

Additional Old Testament passages are quotes or allusions in the New Testament. Read the following verses and find how they relate.

• Psalm 22
• Psalm 69
• Isaiah 53
• Amos 8