The answer is: Elijah

Mark 15:35

In Mark 15:35, we find a very poignant moment, which is not only key to the crucifixion narrative but also reveals the layers of Jewish tradition and expectation tied up in Jesus’ identity. When the bystanders hear Jesus cry out “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” they mistakenly think he is calling for Elijah. This reflects a fascinating tidbit from Jewish tradition: Elijah was believed to be a messenger from God who would precede the coming of the Messiah. Some Jews maintained that he would appear at times of great distress to help individuals in need, reinforcing the belief in divine intervention.

Isn’t it intriguing that this moment connects negatively with all their hopes for a savior? Instead of recognition that Jesus was the Messiah, they hear only intonations of a traditional expectation. This highlights one of the most significant contrasts found in the Gospels. Jesus’s mission was not just to be a heroic figure but to fulfill a much deeper, spiritual purpose beyond public acclaim.

Adding to the layers, whenever we see “Eli,” it brings into focus the cries of desperation intermingled with hope. There's resonance here with Psalm 22, often echoed during this moment, which begins with a painful plea but progresses to affirmation of trust in God. This paradox captures the essence of human experience—confronting anguish while still vibrating with threads of hope, much like how life can pull us in two hidden but real directions at once.