Mark 15:36

And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine. He put it on a reed and held it up for Jesus to drink, saying, "Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down."

Study Bible

And someone ran
This phrase indicates urgency and immediacy. The Greek word used here, "δραμών" (dramōn), suggests a quick, decisive action. In the context of the crucifixion, this reflects the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding Jesus' final moments. Historically, this act of running could signify the eagerness or desperation of the bystanders to offer some form of relief or to witness a potential miracle.

filled a sponge with sour wine
The "sour wine" mentioned here is "ὄξος" (oxos) in Greek, a cheap, vinegary wine commonly consumed by Roman soldiers and the lower classes. This detail highlights the humility and suffering of Christ, as He is offered a drink associated with the poor and oppressed. The use of a sponge was practical, as it could absorb the liquid and be easily offered to someone on a cross.

He put it on a reed
The "reed" or "κάλαμος" (kalamos) in Greek, was likely a stalk of a plant, possibly a hyssop branch, which was long enough to reach Jesus' mouth. This act of using a reed underscores the physical distance and separation between Jesus and those around Him, both literally and metaphorically, as He bore the sins of the world.

held it up for Jesus to drink
This gesture, while seemingly compassionate, is laden with irony. Jesus, the living water, is offered a bitter, inadequate substitute. This moment fulfills the prophecy found in Psalm 69:21, "They gave me vinegar for my thirst," highlighting the scriptural continuity and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the life and death of Jesus.

'Wait,' he said
The command to "wait" suggests anticipation and curiosity among the onlookers. It reflects the human tendency to seek signs and wonders, even in the face of profound spiritual truths. This moment captures the tension between faith and skepticism, as the crowd wonders if a miraculous intervention will occur.

'let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.'
The reference to Elijah is significant, as Jewish tradition held that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). The crowd's expectation of Elijah's appearance reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and identity. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, they look for a miraculous sign that aligns with their preconceived notions. This highlights the theme of spiritual blindness and the challenge of recognizing divine truth amidst human expectations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is being crucified at this moment.

2. The Bystander
An unnamed individual who offers Jesus sour wine on a sponge.

3. Elijah
A prophet from the Old Testament, whom some Jews believed would return to help the Messiah.

4. Golgotha
The place of the crucifixion, also known as "The Place of the Skull."

5. The Crowd
Those present at the crucifixion, including Roman soldiers, Jewish leaders, and onlookers.

Teaching Points

Fulfillment of Prophecy
The offering of sour wine fulfills Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating the divine orchestration of events.

Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission
The crowd's expectation of Elijah's return shows a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of His kingdom.

Suffering and Mockery
Jesus' endurance of suffering and mockery serves as an example of humility and obedience to God's will.

The Role of Bystanders
The actions of the bystander reflect the varied responses to Jesus' crucifixion, from mockery to misguided attempts at compassion.

Spiritual Thirst
Jesus' physical thirst on the cross symbolizes the deeper spiritual thirst of humanity, which He came to quench.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the offering of sour wine to Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and what does this tell us about God's plan?

2. In what ways do the actions and words of the bystander reflect common misunderstandings about Jesus' mission?

3. How can Jesus' response to suffering and mockery on the cross inspire us in our own trials?

4. What does the expectation of Elijah's return reveal about the beliefs of the people present at the crucifixion, and how can this inform our understanding of messianic expectations?

5. How can we address our own spiritual thirst in light of Jesus' sacrifice, and what practical steps can we take to seek fulfillment in Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 69:21
This verse prophesies the offering of sour wine, connecting the Old Testament prophecy to the events of the crucifixion.

Matthew 27:48-49
Provides a parallel account of the offering of sour wine to Jesus, emphasizing the mockery and misunderstanding of the crowd.

John 19:28-30
Offers additional insight into Jesus' fulfillment of Scripture and His declaration, "It is finished."