Daily Lesson for Wednesday 18th of September 2024
Read Mark 15:33-41. What are Jesus’ only words on the cross in Mark? What does Christ’s death ultimately mean for us all?
The Gospel of Mark presents the cross as a very dark place, both physically and spiritually. A supernatural darkness descended on Calvary from about noon on that Friday until about 3 p.m. “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour” (Mark 15:33, ESV).
The words of Jesus on the cross are called the “cry of dereliction” as He prays, crying out to God, asking why He has been forsaken. He is quoting from Psalms 22:1. Other references to the same psalm occur in Mark 15:24,29, indicating that the Scriptures are being fulfilled in the death of Jesus. Even in the evil plotting of men, the will of God is being fulfilled.
Image © Darrel Tank at Goodsalt.com
Jesus’ words from the cross are reported in Aramaic along with translation. The words “my God, my God” are Eloi, Eloi in the verse (a transliteration of the Aramaic ’elahi). It would be easy to hear Jesus as calling for Elijah (Aramaic ’eliyyah, which means “My God is YHWH”). This is the mistake that some bystanders make.
What becomes striking about this passage is the parallel it has to the baptism of Jesus in Mark 1:9-11.
| The Baptism: Mark 1:9-11 | The Cross: Mark 15:34-39 |
|---|---|
| John baptizes Jesus | Jesus’ baptism (compare with Mark 10:38) |
| John (Elijah figure; see Mark 9:11-13) | Calling Elijah |
| Heavens split | Veil split |
| Spirit (pneuma) | Jesus expires (expneō) |
| God’s voice “Beloved Son” | Centurion says “Son of God” |
What these parallels suggest is that as the baptism of Jesus in Mark 1:1-45 is the beginning of His ministry, as prophesied in Daniel 9:24-27, what occurs in Mark 15:1-47 at the cross is the culmination, or goal, of His ministry, as He dies as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). The death of Jesus on the cross also fulfills part of the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27. The tearing of the temple veil (Mark 15:38) points to the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, as type meets antitype, and a new phase of salvation history begins.
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Even despite the evil plotting of humanity, God’s purposes were fulfilled. Why should this help us learn that, regardless of what happens around us, we can still trust God and know that His goodness will ultimately prevail? |
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