When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”
Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone.
Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

This is such an interesting section of the story. Here, we see four different reactions to Jesus dying on the cross and his prayer: “Father, why have you forsaken me?”

First, some thought he was calling out to a prophet. This might be like praying to a saint or a respected figure today. Maybe they thought he was now a less powerful man than Elijah, or perhaps they thought Elijah would come down in his chariot of fire?

Second, someone treated the moment as a sport, mocking him. When Jesus was thirsty, they gave him vinegar instead of water. So cruel! So heartless!

Third, God caused a massive earthquake, which tore the thick curtain into the Holy of Holies in two. God responded by demonstrating the massive power of Jesus’ sacrifice. He honored him and showed that the old ways of Jewish tradition and approaching God had changed forever.

And finally, one of the Roman soldiers – a man who had taken part in the brutal treatment of Jesus, whipping him, hitting him on the head, and placing a crown of thorns on him – looked up and confessed that Jesus truly was the Son of God. He recognized the grace and power that had been before him all along.

What a mirror this is to how people respond to holy people on this earth in our time, too. Some make fun of their suffering, some increase it, some acknowledge the power, and some, like the centurion, submit to it.

Lord, may I not focus on people’s poor responses to your work. Instead, may I live sacrificially for the few who may be saved – and in doing so, may I honor your name.