Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (1)

Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? (1)

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. (Mark 15:33)

The most significant incident which is the finishing stroke in Jesus’ public life begins with the verse mentioned above. It is the moment of Jesus’ last breath on the cross. Though, of course, the report of his resurrection is more important in the theological aspects, we have to lay it aside for the time being, as it is not a part of his public life on earth. Later on, when dealing with Mark 16, I will explain the reason why the account of his resurrection is not directly related to his public life.

It was at the sixth hour which is equivalent to noon of today. Beginning from that time, the whole land was covered by darkness; and this phenomenon continued until the ninth hour which exactly 3 p.m. of today. It was an extraordinary phenomenon. What sort of phenomenon it was? If an ordinary people read it, he may think it could be an appearance of the solar eclipse or gathering of some dark thick cloud totally enveloping the whole region of Jerusalem. People would have such kind conclusion at the sight of this extraordinary inclement weather. Exodus also tells us a similar story. After the Exodus of Israelites from Egypt, while crossing over the wilderness they considered the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud emitted from volcanic eruptions, as God’s direct appearance and leading them.

The content today has a different dimension from that of Exodus. The appearance of the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud can be misunderstood by the ancient people who viewed the natural phenomenon as the divine appearance. However, the darkness mentioned in this particular passage is an apocalyptical interpretation. Mark 13:24 has already given us a hint saying, “But in those days, following that distress, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.’” Such phenomenon was a sign of the advent of ‘son of God’ in order to judge this world by God’s sovereign power. The prophet Amos also declared such fact long time ago saying, "In that day," declares the Sovereign LORD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight.”

At the last moment of Jesus’ life, darkness came over the whole land for three hours. Humankind will be judged based on the cross. At the same time, it is also the way of salvation. Likewise cross is a judgment and at the same time a final sign of salvation.