As the title suggests, this post is about the word MEGA. Or rather the Greek word 'megas' which means 'big, strong' (not 'brilliant' as we sometimes use it!)
On 3 occasions in the Gospel's it is used of the voice of the Lord Jesus, with the Greek word 'megas' interpreted as our word 'LOUD'. So when did the Lord Jesus speak with a 'big, strong voice'?
My mind went to John 11:43, remember when the Lord was at the graveside of his much loved friend Lazarus? Remember the Saviour weeping there which causing even his critics standing by to proclaim "behold how he loved him!" And we recall how that the Lord Jesus could demonstrate his power over death and the grave by issuing that command with a strong, powerful voice "Lazarus, come forth". On this occasion the result of the loud voice was life-bringing, with life and joy coming in where death and sorrow was.
The second reference I thought of was Mark 15:34 when the Lord was on the cross he could cry with a loud voice; "Eloi Eloi, lama sabachthani?" Please notice that the Saviour here was forsaken by his God, not his Father and also notice that the word sabachthani is quite strong, it means left alone or deserted. Sometimes our hymns convey the idea that the Father merely 'turned his face away', but this doesn't quite carry the real meaning. What a solitary experience Calvary was for the Saviour as a holy and righteous God judged the sin of the world, borne by the person of his well beloved Son!
Finally lets go further on to Luke 23:46 when the Saviour cried with a loud voice in giving up the ghost. How wonderful that the Saviour was in full control of his death even in the extremity of his situation here. He would say; "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost." Here the cry with a loud voice is closely associated with a life given as opposed to life-bringing. I like the word 'commend' as it means 'present or place alongside' which is a lovely picture of the Saviour's death as he placed his soul into the hands of his Father. The Saviour's death was purposeful, deliberate and entirely in the mind and will of both the Father and the Son. What a foundation upon which to preach the gospel!
I hope these simple thoughts about when the Saviour used "a loud voice" will encourage us in our worship of him. Please feel free to add your own comments below or offer any feedback on any of our little posts!
Yours in Christ,
Mark
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