[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Theophil

This was more than the cry of a righteous Sufferer affirming His faith that God would cause Him to triumph (contrast Ps. 22:1 with Ps. 22:28). Nor did Jesus merely feel abandoned. Instead, Jesus’ cry combined (a) abandonment by God the Father in a judicial not relational sense, and (b) a genuine affirmation of Jesus’ relationship to God. Bearing the curse of sin and God’s judgment on sin (cf. Deut. 21:22-23; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13) He experienced the unfathomable horror of separation from God, who cannot look on sin (cf. Hab. 1:13). This answers Jesus’ question, “Why?” Dying for sinners (Mark 10:45; Rom. 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18), He experienced separation from God.
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:189). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

What do you say to this?

My first response would be - "yeah, a bunch of dispy apologists!"

But seriously, as I said earlier - though it seems you posted before I had completed an update - where we begin with this is with the passage that Jesus was referring to. The fact that he was quoting scripture is a powerful indication of the thoughts and feelings he wished to express.

And, the Walvoord and Zuck (I have several of their books) quote does expound upon the idea of Christ being separated as a sin offering.

But the fact that He cried is interesting. That experience of being "forsaken" was traumatizing for Him. It seems to have been felt as one more lash across His back, so to speak. I think it reveals the depths of the emotional suffering He endured. Consider Hebrews 12:3, and the "contradiction of sinners."

Jesus was righteous and went about doing good - yet He was accused of doing evil, Matthew 9:34, Matthew 12:24, and many others. This is just one glaring "contradiction."

He did good but was accused of evil. Then He was charged with blasphemy and tried. God manifest in the flesh was charged with blasphemy - a crime against God. Another "contradiction."

And then when this holy, sinless and righteous man was crucified, He became sin for us, the real sinners in the drama. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

We can objectively tie these things (and many other points) up in nice theological packages and rejoice with thankfulness; but He had to endure it one excruciating step of injustice at a time. I think the cry of Mark 15:34 gives us a window on a very broad panorama.