A Message for Young People from Matthew 27:45-46
Matthew 27:45–46 says, “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).”
The moment described in this passage is one of the most solemn and mysterious moments in all of Scripture. As Jesus hung on the cross, the sky itself grew dark in the middle of the day. The world paused as the Son of God carried the weight of humanity’s sin. In the midst of that darkness, Jesus cried out with words that echo deeply through the ages: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words are not only a cry of suffering but also a message that speaks powerfully to the hearts of young people who are learning to walk through life’s questions, struggles, and uncertainties.
Young people often live in a world filled with noise, expectations, and pressure. There are questions about identity, purpose, belonging, and faith. There are moments when life seems bright and hopeful, but there are also times when darkness seems to cover everything. Friendships may fail, dreams may feel uncertain, and the future may seem unclear. In such moments, the words of Jesus on the cross remind us that even the Son of God entered into the deepest human experience of pain and loneliness.
The darkness that covered the land during the crucifixion was not merely a physical phenomenon. It symbolized the gravity of what was taking place. Sin, which separates humanity from God, was being placed upon Christ. The weight of that separation was so immense that the moment felt like abandonment. Jesus experienced the depth of human suffering so that no one would ever face their struggles alone.
For young people, this moment reveals something profoundly important about the nature of faith. Faith is not the absence of questions. Faith does not mean life will always feel clear or easy. Instead, faith is the courage to cry out to God even when the heart feels confused or overwhelmed. The cry of Jesus shows that it is possible to speak honestly to God in moments of pain.
Many young people struggle silently with feelings they do not always know how to express. Sometimes it feels as though no one truly understands what is happening inside their hearts. Yet the cry from the cross reveals that God understands human suffering from the inside. Jesus did not remain distant from human pain; he entered into it fully.
This truth carries a powerful message: darkness does not have the final word. Although the sky grew dark on that afternoon, the story of the cross did not end there. Beyond the suffering and beyond the silence of that moment stood the promise of resurrection. The darkness was temporary, but the victory of God was eternal.
Young people today often face many voices competing for their attention. Social media, cultural expectations, and the opinions of others can create confusion about what truly matters. In the midst of these voices, the cry of Jesus calls young hearts to look deeper. It invites them to see the seriousness of sin, the depth of God’s love, and the sacrifice that was made for the redemption of humanity.
The cross reminds us that love is not merely words or feelings. Love is sacrifice. Love is choosing to give oneself for the sake of others. Jesus endured the cross because of love—love for a broken world, love for every generation, and love for every young person searching for meaning and hope.
For young people who may feel forgotten or overlooked, the cross stands as a powerful declaration that they are seen and valued. The suffering of Jesus shows the extent to which God was willing to go in order to restore humanity. No life is insignificant, and no heart is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
The cry of Jesus also points back to Psalm 22, a passage that begins with anguish but ends with hope and victory. By quoting these words, Jesus connected his suffering to the greater story of redemption that God had been unfolding throughout history. What seemed like defeat was actually part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.
This truth encourages young believers to trust God even when circumstances seem confusing. Life will include moments when the path ahead is uncertain. There may be seasons when prayers feel unanswered or when faith feels difficult to hold onto. Yet the cross reminds us that God’s work is often happening even in the moments that seem darkest.
The darkness at the crucifixion lasted only a few hours, but the light of the resurrection shines forever. The cry of Jesus reminds young hearts that God is not absent in suffering. Instead, God is present even in the darkest moments, working toward redemption and restoration.
Young people are living in a time that deeply needs courage, faith, and compassion. The message of the cross invites them to become people who carry light into the world. Just as Jesus faced darkness with faithfulness, young believers are called to stand with hope, integrity, and love in the midst of a challenging world.
The words of Jesus from the cross remain a powerful call to reflection. They remind every generation that faith is not about avoiding hardship but about trusting God through it. Even when the sky grows dark and the heart feels heavy, the story of the cross assures us that God’s love is stronger than despair.
And so the cry from the cross continues to echo through history, calling young hearts to listen, to trust, and to remember that the darkness of that day was not the end of the story. Beyond the darkness came the dawn of resurrection, and with it the promise that God’s love will always overcome the night.
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