What Old Testament prophecies connect to the events in Mark 15:35? The Moment at the Cross Mark 15:35: “When some of those standing nearby heard this, they said, ‘Listen, He is calling Elijah!’” • Jesus has just cried, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (v. 34), and the crowd mishears “Eloi” as a plea for Elijah. • Their reaction opens a window into several Old Testament passages long associated with Messiah’s suffering and the hoped-for return of Elijah. Psalm 22:1—The Forsaken Messiah • Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” • Jesus quotes this exact line, anchoring His suffering to David’s prophetic psalm. • Additional Psalm 22 parallels in the crucifixion scene: – v. 7-8 mockery by onlookers (Mark 15:29-30) – v. 16 pierced hands and feet (cf. John 20:25) – v. 18 casting lots for garments (Mark 15:24) • The psalm’s fulfillment makes Jesus’ cry more than anguish—it is a deliberate, messianic signpost. Malachi 4:5-6—Expecting Elijah • Malachi 4:5-6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and fearful Day of the LORD.” • First-century Jews lived in anticipation of Elijah’s return; even today a cup for Elijah is set at Passover. • Hearing “Eloi,” the bystanders assume the prophecy might be unfolding in real time. • Jesus affirms that John the Baptist had already come “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17), yet the crowd still watches for the literal prophet. Psalm 69:20-21—Mockery and Sour Wine • Psalm 69:21: “They gave me gall for food and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” • Immediately after v. 35, someone runs to offer Jesus sour wine (Mark 15:36), another prophetic echo adjoining the “Elijah” misunderstanding. Isaiah 53—The Rejected Servant • Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” • The misinterpretation of Jesus’ cry underscores His isolation and rejection foretold by Isaiah. Other Elijah Threads • 2 Kings 2:11—Elijah taken up without dying, fostering belief he could reappear bodily. • 1 Kings 17–19—Elijah as powerful intercessor; the crowd may hope he will rescue Jesus if He is truly righteous. Takeaway Insights • Mark 15:35 is a nexus where Psalm 22, Psalm 69, Isaiah 53, and Malachi 4 converge. • The bystanders’ confusion highlights both the accuracy of prophetic Scripture and humanity’s tendency to miss its true fulfillment. • Jesus’ deliberate use of Psalm 22:1 affirms that even the darkest moment on the cross was scripted by God long beforehand, confirming the reliability and literal truth of the Old Testament prophecies. |
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