Matthew 27:45-66

As we approach the last days one of the signs of the times is a rise in false prophets and teachers. The number one defense we have against such is the Bible. Knowing God’s Word is of the highest importance. Yet, sadly, few people bother to invest the time to know the Word.

Apparently, people haven’t changed much. In crying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus was quoting the beginning of a well known Psalm. I have no doubt that this cry was completely sincere; however, in choosing these exact words He was giving a strong clue about what was happening. If those standing there had bothered to examine this particular Psalm they would have discovered some amazing things.

They would have seen a picture in which the the psalmist was despised and being mocked by a crowd of people around him. They would have heard the psalmist complain that all of his bones were out of joint. This happened when the convicted was jerked onto the cross. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth; a sign of dehydration which also happened in the case of crucifixion. The psalmist declares, “They have pierced my hands and feet.” This was not normally the case when people were executed on the cross but it had in fact happened to Jesus. They would even have read the fine detail of the psalmist’s garments being divided and some were dispersed by casting lots for them. They would also have discovered that in spite of this ghastly scene the end result would be praise and that future generations would be told about the Lord.

They would have seen this if they had recognized the dramatic start of a well known Psalm. They didn’t. “Eloi,” sounded somewhat like Elijah and so the misconception quickly spread. “Wow, we might get to see Elijah!” Ignorant of the Word, easily deceived.

By the way, I really haven’t much of a clue about the unusual verses 52-53. These are probably the two verses in all of Scripture about which I am the most perplexed. If any of you have insight on these I would like to hear your comments.