The "Cry of Abandonment" refers to the poignant moment during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ when He uttered the words, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" This cry is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, specifically in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. In the Berean Standard Bible, Matthew 27:46 reads: "About the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'"

This expression of deep anguish is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, a psalm of David, which begins with the same words. The use of this psalm highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and underscores the Messianic nature of Jesus' suffering. Psalm 22 is often seen as a prophetic depiction of the suffering servant, and Jesus' invocation of this psalm on the cross connects His experience to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan.

Theologically, the Cry of Abandonment is significant for several reasons. It reflects the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus, fully God and fully man, experiences the depth of human suffering and alienation. This moment on the cross is often interpreted as the point at which Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing separation from the Father as He took upon Himself the sins of the world. This separation, however, is not indicative of a break in the divine nature of the Trinity but rather a relational and experiential aspect of Jesus' human suffering.

From a soteriological perspective, the Cry of Abandonment is central to understanding the atonement. It emphasizes the cost of sin and the extent of Christ's sacrifice. By experiencing abandonment, Jesus fully identifies with the human condition, providing a means for reconciliation between God and humanity. This moment underscores the depth of God's love and the seriousness of sin, as well as the lengths to which God will go to restore His creation.

The Cry of Abandonment also serves as a profound expression of trust and faith. Despite the feeling of forsakenness, Jesus addresses God as "My God," indicating a continued relationship and trust in the Father. This aspect of the cry can be a source of comfort and hope for believers who experience feelings of abandonment or suffering, reminding them of Christ's solidarity with human pain and His ultimate victory over sin and death.

In summary, the Cry of Abandonment is a multifaceted expression of Jesus' suffering, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, illustrating the depth of the atonement, and providing a model of faith in the midst of despair. It remains a central element of Christian theology, reflecting the profound mystery of the cross and the redemptive work of Christ.