Mark 15:35 – “When some of those standing near heard this, they said, ‘Listen, he’s calling Elijah.’”
Extended Explanation
This verse occurs right after Jesus cries out, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (Mark 15:34), meaning “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Those standing nearby misinterpret Jesus’ words, thinking He is calling for Elijah. This misunderstanding arises because the Aramaic word “Eloi” sounds similar to “Elijah” (in Hebrew, “Eliyahu”).
In Jewish tradition, Elijah was viewed as a prophet who would return to help God’s people, particularly in times of distress. Malachi 4:5 prophesied that Elijah would come before the “great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The bystanders may have taken Jesus’ cry as a plea for deliverance, assuming He was asking for Elijah to rescue Him from the cross.
However, Jesus wasn’t calling for Elijah; He was quoting Psalm 22, expressing the spiritual weight of His separation from God as He bore the sins of the world. The misunderstanding of the crowd reflects their inability to grasp the true significance of what was happening.
Historical Context
The expectation of Elijah’s return was common among Jews in the first century. They believed that Elijah, who had been taken to heaven without experiencing death (2 Kings 2:11), would return as a forerunner to the Messiah or during times of crisis. This belief was rooted in Malachi 4:5-6, which promised that Elijah would come to restore people’s hearts and prepare the way for God’s judgment.
The bystanders’ reaction also reflects the confusion and spiritual blindness surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings, many still didn’t understand His mission. Even in His final moments, they misinterpreted His words, revealing their limited understanding of Scripture and God’s plan for salvation.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights humanity’s tendency to misunderstand God’s purposes. The bystanders thought Jesus was calling for Elijah to rescue Him, but they missed the deeper truth: Jesus was fulfilling God’s plan by staying on the cross. His mission wasn’t to avoid death but to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice.
Their misunderstanding also illustrates the spiritual blindness caused by sin. The people standing near the cross had seen Jesus’ power, but they couldn’t recognize that His suffering was part of God’s redemptive plan. 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
Jesus didn’t need Elijah to rescue Him because He was fully in control of His mission. His obedience to God’s will, even in the face of death, reveals His role as the Savior who willingly laid down His life to bring salvation to sinners.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s Gospel often portrays the crowd as misunderstanding Jesus, and this verse is another example of that theme. The crowd’s misinterpretation of His cry emphasizes their inability to comprehend the spiritual significance of the crucifixion. Mark presents this moment as one of tragic irony: while they think Jesus is calling for a prophet to save Him, He is actually fulfilling the role of the Savior who brings salvation to the world.
The reference to Elijah also serves to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy. Malachi 4:5-6 foretold that Elijah would come before the Messiah, and Jesus identified John the Baptist as the fulfillment of that role (Matthew 11:13-14). By including this detail, Mark reminds readers that Jesus is the culmination of God’s promises, even though many failed to see it.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 22:1 – The psalm Jesus quotes when He cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- Malachi 4:5-6 – The prophecy of Elijah’s return before the day of the Lord.
- Matthew 11:13-14 – Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the “Elijah” who was to come.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – The inability of those without the Spirit to understand God’s purposes.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding God’s plan through the lens of Scripture. The bystanders at the cross misunderstood Jesus because they viewed the situation through human expectations rather than God’s truth. Believers are called to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Bible, trusting that God’s plans are often beyond human comprehension.
This verse also challenges believers to avoid making assumptions about God’s actions. Just as the bystanders assumed Jesus needed Elijah’s help, people today can be quick to assume how God should act in their lives. But faith requires trusting in God’s timing and purposes, even when they don’t align with human expectations.
Additionally, the bystanders’ confusion highlights the need for spiritual discernment. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it’s easy to misunderstand or misinterpret God’s work. Christians are encouraged to rely on the Spirit to help them understand and apply God’s Word.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in this verse through His patience with humanity’s misunderstandings and failures. Even as people mocked and misinterpreted Jesus’ words, God’s plan for salvation was unfolding. This shows that God’s love is steadfast and not dependent on human understanding or approval.
God’s love is also evident in the fact that Jesus remained on the cross despite the crowd’s taunts and confusion. He could have come down or called on angels to rescue Him, but His love for humanity kept Him there. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Even when people misunderstood Him, Jesus continued His mission to save them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ role as the obedient Son of God who fulfilled Scripture and completed His mission despite opposition and misunderstanding. The crowd’s reference to Elijah reminds readers that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and His death on the cross was the climax of God’s redemptive plan.
The fact that Jesus didn’t call on Elijah or anyone else to save Him underscores His authority and willingness to lay down His life for others. John 10:18 says, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” His obedience to the Father, even in the face of mockery and misunderstanding, demonstrates His commitment to fulfilling God’s plan for salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think the bystanders misunderstood Jesus’ cry and assumed He was calling for Elijah?
- How can we avoid misunderstanding God’s plans in our own lives?
- What does Jesus’ refusal to call for help tell us about His obedience and commitment to God’s will?
- In what ways can you trust God’s timing and purposes, even when they don’t make sense to you?
- How can you seek greater understanding of God’s Word to prevent spiritual confusion or misunderstanding?