How does Mark 15:35 demonstrate misunderstanding of Jesus' words on the cross? The Setting at Golgotha • v. 34 — “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ – which means, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’” • v. 35 — “When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, ‘Listen, He is calling Elijah!’” Why the Crowd Misheard • “Eloi” (Aramaic for “My God”) sounded similar to “Elijah” (Hebrew / Aramaic “Eliyahu”). • The onlookers were most likely Greek-speaking pilgrims or Roman soldiers with limited grasp of Aramaic nuance. • Noise, pain-wracked voice, and the chaotic scene compounded the confusion. Elijah Expectations in First-Century Judaism • Malachi 4:5 — “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” • Many Jews looked for Elijah to appear as a forerunner to Messiah, even rescuing the righteous in distress. • At Passover a chair and cup were—and still are—set for Elijah, underscoring popular anticipation. • So, hearing “Eloi” they defaulted to their messianic folklore: “Ah, He’s summoning Elijah to save Him!” Layers of Misunderstanding Exposed in Mark 15:35 • Misunderstanding of LANGUAGE – Took an Aramaic cry to God as a plea to a prophet. • Misunderstanding of SCRIPTURE – Missed that Jesus was quoting Psalm 22:1, fulfilling prophecy. • Misunderstanding of JESUS’ MISSION – Expected physical rescue; overlooked the redemptive necessity of the cross (Isaiah 53:5–6, John 3:14-16). • Misunderstanding of THE SIGNS ALREADY GIVEN – Jesus had identified John the Baptist as the promised “Elijah” (Mark 9:11-13), but they ignored that revelation. Contrast: Scripture’s Clarity about the Cry • Psalm 22:1 foretold Messiah’s anguish; Jesus cites it verbatim. • Matthew 27:46–47 records the same misinterpretation, confirming its historicity. • John 19:28–30 shows Jesus fully aware, purposefully fulfilling prophecy, not pleading for rescue. Takeaways for Today • Hearing isn’t the same as understanding; we need ears attuned to God’s Word, not cultural assumptions. • Familiar religious expectations can blind us to the plain meaning of Scripture. • Jesus’ cry was not a moment of panic but a deliberate proclamation that He was bearing our sin, exactly as foretold. |
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