47 “And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” (Matthew 27:47–49 (ESV)
35 “And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” (Mark 15:35–36 (ESV)
In our study of the Gospel of Matthew’s record of the Passion Week of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is necessary, and insightful, to examine all four Gospel accounts. This discipline provides us understanding of all the events and encounters which took place during those hours.
Only Matthew and Mark recount Jesus’ most significant cry from the cross; “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” Likewise, the two evangelists are the only ones who recorded the immediate reaction by bystanders who heard Jesus’ cry of agony.
Upon hearing the words “Eli, Eli” they thought Jesus might be calling for the prophet Elijah. Or, they may have been joking and attempting to dismiss the heartfelt wail by the Lord. In their unbelieving derision, the crowd even wondered if Elijah would come and save Jesus; although it appears they did not truly believe such an event would occur.
“What is described, then, here in verses 47 and 49, is the mockery of those heartless persons who tried to make others believe that they had heard Jesus cry to Elijah for help. Of course, they knew better. But the resemblance between “Eli”—especially if the pronunciation sounded like Eliya—and the name of the Old Testament prophet was so close that by the perverted minds and lips of these blasphemers a joke could be made of it,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.
“Moreover, was it not a Jewish belief that Elijah would introduce the Messiah and live beside him for a while as his assistant and as the rescuer of those who were about to perish?”
“Some Jewish bystanders apparently misunderstood or more likely, as a mockery, deliberately misinterpreted Jesus’ cry as a call to Elijah. Popular Jewish belief held that Elijah came in times of distress to deliver righteous sufferers,” explains the Bible Knowledge Commentary.
The irony of the setting and scene is striking. The religious leaders sought Jesus’ crucifixion for the crime of blaspheme. However, it is here that true blaspheme occurred.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)
Soli deo Gloria!
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