Scripture to Read: Matthew 27:33-56
Christ underwent the most excruciating torment anyone could ever go through. Christ’s pain was not just physical pain, but it was the deepest, darkest spiritual pain of all time. The soldiers offered Christ wine mixed with gall, which was a drink to help numb the senses from this horrible death. Christ refused the drink because He did not want His mind numbed, knowing He was paying the price for our sin. To understand a little of what Christ went through, Dr. William Edwards, in 1986, wrote an article titled “On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ.” What follows are just a few of the findings from Dr. Edwards and his associates. This is paraphrased from the article. The victim was thrown on the ground to nail the hands to the crossbeam. The wounds from the scourging would open and be contaminated with dirt. Driving the nail through the wrist severed the large median nerve. This severed nerve caused bolts of fiery pain in both arms and often resulted in a claw-like grip in the hands. Crucifixion inhibited normal breathing. The weight of the body locked up the respiratory muscles in an inhaling state, thus hindering exhaling. Inadequate breathing caused muscle cramps, which hindered breathing even more. To breathe, one had to push against the nailed feet and bend the elbows, pulling from the shoulders. Lifting the body to breathe painfully scraped the back against the wooden post. The physical pain was nothing compared to having the penalty of mankind’s sin dumped on Him. Our Lord endured all of this because of His great love for us.
Challenge & Application
Knowing just a little better of all Christ went through to save you from your sin, how does this change the way you live for Him?
Who can you share these truths with this week to better understand Christ’s love for them as well?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!