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, but it was the most profound spiritual pain as well. The soldiers offered Christ wine mixed with gall (Matthew 27:34, Mark 15:23), a drink to help numb the senses from this horrible death. Christ refused it because He did not want His mind numbed, for he knew He was paying the price for all sin for all mankind. In 1986, Dr. William Edwards 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 body's weight 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 could not compare to the pain of having the judgment of mankind’s sin poured out on Him. Our Lord went through this because of His great love for us.
Challenge & Application
· Christ bore the cross for us. He has called us die to ourselves and follow Him (Matthew 10:38, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27), so how are you doing that each day?
· Who will you encourage this week by sharing with them all that Christ has done for them, because of His love for them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!