Lesson 437: Mark 15:34
Mark 15:34
The Blueprint — The Verse
And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Mark's account of the crucifixion emphasizes Jesus' abandonment and suffering. Darkness covered the land for three hours as Jesus hung on the cross outside Jerusalem.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
Passersby mocked, chief priests jeered, and even those crucified with Him heaped insults. At three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in Aramaic, quoting Psalm 22 about being forsaken by God.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Mark 15:33
The Death of Jesus33At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (Mark 15:33) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Mark 15:35
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (Mark 15:35) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- Why does Mark highlight Jesus' forsakenness so starkly?
- How does the cross address our deepest fear of abandonment?
- What does responding to mockery with a psalm of lament reveal about Jesus?