Tremendous Grace in 6 Hours of Agony

Jesus Refusal of Wine and Myrrh Mark 15:23&36

Crucifixion was the cruelest means of execution

It was so horrific that Roman citizens were exempt form it and only Roman soldiers could administer it. It was usually used to shame the victim, torture the victim, and send a message to others not to commit crime. Crucifixions were usually done on heavily traveled highways or on elevated places so that all could see the power of Rome. They would send a message to all that if you defy Rome then you could be crucified.

Crucifixion would generally begin with a beating or a flogging. This was to get the victim to bleeding so that the crucifixion would be more affective. After the beating there was usually a time of mocking by the roman soldiers. This was to break the victim mentally. Once the beating and mocking were done the victim was required to carry his own crossbeam to the execution site. This was to indicate that the persons life was about to end. Then they would crucify the criminal.

Crucifixion was done by either tying the criminal to the Hyssop tree or nailing them. Tying them would prolong the death by suffocating the victim by the exhaustion as they could not hold themselves up to get a breath of air. If the person was nailed to the cross it would be done through the wrists and the feet.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Medical Hypotheses

Medical Hypotheses

The medical cause of death by crucifixion is disputed. Death may have come from asphyxiation, as hanging with one’s arms stretched out to the sides would make breathing labored, forcing death when the victim grew tired (e.g., Halperin, “Crucifixion”). Zias, however, maintains that only victims with hands bound or nailed directly overhead (affixed to a stake only, with no crossbeam) would be susceptible to asphyxiation. Alternate suggestions as to the cause of death in crucifixion include hypovolemic shock, heart failure, and dehydration (Maslen and Mitchell, “Medical Theories”). Maslen and Mitchell conclude: “It is quite likely that different individuals died from different physiological causes,” depending on how they were affixed to the cross (Maslen and Mitchell, “Medical Theories”).

Jesus Had to experience the full pain of the crucifixion

By taking the wine with myrrh it would have dulled the pain of the crucifixion or worse poisoned Jesus. Myrrh was a poison that was given to people that were being crucified to ease the pain of the crucifixion. It was like an anesthetic that was used. Jesus refused to take the myrrh so that he could experience the full pain of the execution for us. Any shortcut would have discounted what Christ did for us. People could say he endured because he was drugged up. Friend, Jesus endured the full pain of the cross for us!

He took the sour wine to prolong the suffering to show the extent of his love. When he got thirsty he took the sour wine to extend his suffering. By taking the sour wine it would replenish him to endure longer.

Jesus showed tremendous grace by how much he was willing to suffer for us !

Jesus asked the Father to Forgive. Luke 23:34

Jesus asked the Father to forgive.

He asked the Father to forgive the Jews for handing him over to be crucified

He asked the Father to forgive the Romans for crucifying him.

He asked the Father to forgive the criminals on the cross that were hurling insults at him.

He asked the Father to forgive the pharisees that were mocking him.

He asked the Father to forgive the bystanders that were making fun of him.

He asked the Father to forgive his disciples for leaving him when he was arrested.

He asked the Father to forgive us for putting him on the cross because of our sin.

Even on the cross Jesus was concerned more about others than he was himself.

Jesus knew his reason for being on the cross was to take the punishment for all sin. How could he condemn those he came to save. He wanted them to not have the crucifixion a means of judgment for the people but a means of salvation. He wanted people to have a right relationship with the Father through his shed blood on the cross.

Jesus showed tremendous grace by forgiving us of sin.

Jesus asked John to take care of Mary

Jesus knew with his Joseph dead and him being the oldest his mother Mary would have a difficult life.

In the time of Jesus, a Jewish widow would have a difficult time living. Women in that day depended on their husbands and sons to make a living for the household. If a Jewish woman didn’t have a husband or a son she would rely heavily on the temple to supply her food and shelter. Since she was Jesus’s mother the temple would not care for her. At the time of his crucifixion, Jesus didn’t feel that his brother’s could care for Mary as she should be cared for.

Jesus told John to take care of his mother. Jesus had spent most of his time with John. John was one of the three that Jesus confided in. He is described as the disciple Jesus loved. Jesus knew that John would take care of his mother in his absence. John would also be able to share with Mary all the things Jesus shared with him.

Jesus shows mercy for caring and providing for our well-being.

Jesus Promised the Thief Paradise

The thief on the cross saw Jesus as God’s Son. He also recognized his own sin. He asked Jesus to remember him when he took the throne in his kingdom. Jesus promised the thief paradise.

The thief on the cross could be us.

He recognized Jesus as God. Friend until we see Jesus as God, we cannot be saved. Only God can forgive sin and give Salvation. Jesus is God.

He recognized his own sin. He knew that he was getting the punishment which he deserved. He knew that he had committed crime that put him on the cross next to Jesus. Friend if you cannot see yourself as deserving to be on the cross next to Jesus for your sins than you cannot be saved. You must confess your sins.

The thief knew that Jesus could save him from his miserable life. He asked Jesus to remember him when he entered his kingdom. Friend you cannot be saved unless you see Jesus as one who can save you.

Jesus promised the thief paradise. Jesus saw the thief’s repentant heart and forgave him. Jesus promised the thief that that day he would be in paradise with Jesus. Friend Jesus makes the same promise to us if we will make him our king!

Jesus demonstrates tremendous grace by giving us eternal life!

Conclusion

I hope today you see the tremendous love with which Jesus loves you.

He demonstrated it by how much he suffered for you.

He shows you how much he loves you by giving you undeserved forgiveness.

He illustrates it by caring for your well-being and taking care of you.

He shows it by promising you eternal life.

What are you going to do with Christ’s love for you?

Would you be willing to come and thank him for his love for you?

Would you be willing to receive his love by accepting his salvation today?

Would you be willing to pray for someone to come to know the love of Jesus that you know?