SEVEN WORDS TO JESUS; Word Six: Calling for Elijah
By Gail K. Kachnycz on 6 March 2026
Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “ELI, ELI, LEMA SABAKTANEI?” that is, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” And immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, “Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” Matthew 27:45-49 NASB2020 Parallel Passage is Mark 15:33-36
A strange darkness had enveloped the site of the crucifixion for three hours. Jesus knew that His earthly life would soon end, a complete and perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humankind. As the burden of that evil was placed upon Jesus, God the Father could not remain in the presence of sin. Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?” These words expressed the acute agony of separation, but also were the opening phrase of Psalm 22.
Why did the crowd misunderstand what Jesus was saying? Why did they think he was calling for
Elijah? Why didn’t they recognize the verse from Psalm 22? David the Psalmist had spoken those
words, but they weren’t expecting Jesus to do so. Part of the answer may have been the physical
circumstances. Jesus had been beaten, so it is possible that His face was swollen, making speech
difficult. By now, He had been exposed to the elements for nearly six hours. Due to blood loss He was
weak and dehydrated, which can cause the tongue to enlarge, further distorting speech. One person
realized the need for liquid and offered Him sour wine. Everyone else stood back. They had a false
interpretation of what they heard, and therefore had wrong expectations.
Do we have trouble understanding what Jesus is saying to us? Do we look at the circumstances we
are in to interpret His words? The wrong understanding leads to false expectations or taking action that
was not prompted by God’s leading. The words that Jesus spoke from the cross were probably distorted
and difficult to understand. Those who knew the Scripture well would have recognized Psalm 22.
Turning to Scripture to clarify the Lord’s message to us will confirm the correct meaning. The Bible
safeguards us and keeps us on the right path.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 KJV
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as
far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NASB2020
All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in
righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good
work. 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB2020
For thoughtful consideration:
Do I expect the Lord to speak to me?
If I am uncertain of His message, do I look to Scripture to clarify and confirm?
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