Word@Work 203 - Mark 15:35-37
Published: Fri, 09/05/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 15:35-37 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah." One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. (NIV)
Listening and hearing are two different things. The bystanders heard the 'God' word but because it was considered blasphemous to use it (preferring to us 'The Name'), they assumed that Jesus was calling Elijah (a similarly sounding word). They thought Jesus was calling for help from one of the Old Testament 'saints', although calling the dead is strictly forbidden (cf Deut 18:9-13). One person thought He wanted the drugged wine. Another cynically just wanted to leave Jesus alone.
There was no call for Elijah; just a heartfelt cry to God that echoed into the emptiness. There was no wish for pain killers; just a determination to see it through to the end. There was to be no miraculous rescue from death; just death itself. Despite the beatings that sapped His strength and brought Him to His knees, so that He could not carry the cross-piece up the hill; despite agony of being nailed to the cross, and the suffocation of hanging there - Jesus now had full strength for his last cry - "It is finished", which can also mean, "Paid in full"! The task had been accomplished, and He then simply stopped breathing.
Some may read this account like objective bystanders. It means nothing to them apart from being a sad tale. But for me, and I trust you who read, it is charged with deep emotion. My Jesus, went through all the suffering - so that we will not have to endure any of God's wrath. That is the best news in the world, the news to bring peace to troubled hearts and the core of our Gospel message. Hallelujah what a Saviour! Do tell somebody!!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Although so many misunderstand You, You understand them and want them to come to repentance and faith. Help them to stop and turn around to hear what You are saying to them, and to realise that Your cross is for their blessing. Please give me the right words at each right opportunity so that my friends might know how much You love them. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Listening and hearing are two different things. The bystanders heard the 'God' word but because it was considered blasphemous to use it (preferring to us 'The Name'), they assumed that Jesus was calling Elijah (a similarly sounding word). They thought Jesus was calling for help from one of the Old Testament 'saints', although calling the dead is strictly forbidden (cf Deut 18:9-13). One person thought He wanted the drugged wine. Another cynically just wanted to leave Jesus alone.
There was no call for Elijah; just a heartfelt cry to God that echoed into the emptiness. There was no wish for pain killers; just a determination to see it through to the end. There was to be no miraculous rescue from death; just death itself. Despite the beatings that sapped His strength and brought Him to His knees, so that He could not carry the cross-piece up the hill; despite agony of being nailed to the cross, and the suffocation of hanging there - Jesus now had full strength for his last cry - "It is finished", which can also mean, "Paid in full"! The task had been accomplished, and He then simply stopped breathing.
Some may read this account like objective bystanders. It means nothing to them apart from being a sad tale. But for me, and I trust you who read, it is charged with deep emotion. My Jesus, went through all the suffering - so that we will not have to endure any of God's wrath. That is the best news in the world, the news to bring peace to troubled hearts and the core of our Gospel message. Hallelujah what a Saviour! Do tell somebody!!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Although so many misunderstand You, You understand them and want them to come to repentance and faith. Help them to stop and turn around to hear what You are saying to them, and to realise that Your cross is for their blessing. Please give me the right words at each right opportunity so that my friends might know how much You love them. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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