The answer is: Elijah

Mark 15:35

In Mark 15:35, the onlookers mistakenly think Jesus is calling out to Elijah while he hangs on the cross. This moment speaks volumes about the deep connection between Jesus’ suffering and Jewish expectations of the prophets. Elijah was a significant figure in Jewish history, celebrated for his miraculous deeds and expected to return before the coming of the “great and dreadful day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:5). So, when bystanders overhear Jesus’ cry, they immediately associate it with confounding prophetic traditions, revealing their confusion as well as deep-seated beliefs.

Isn't it fascinating that even in moments of despair, divine echoes can be heard? The mention of Elijah ties back to the stories told in the Old Testament where he’s known for his ascension into heaven in a whirlwind, a departure that left followers eagerly awaiting his return. This concept of returning prophets effectively reflects how integrated these themes are into the framework of Jewish understanding before and during Jesus' lifetime.

The crowd, perhaps hopeful for divine intervention or a sign of empowerment in the face of injustice, hears a name that signifies power rather than pain. Fun fact: some interpreters believe that the phrase "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" could point to Psalm 22, which initially laments suffering but ultimately ends in triumph—giving an interesting perspective on how narratives of despair leap towards hope across the Scriptures.