Mark 15:21-32
Let’s continue to pray for Jim and Marty.
“Notice what you notice.”
And they offered Him wine mixed with myrrh, but He did not take it. (v. 23) A couple of reflections on this verse, in part because this one verse is translated quite differently in various translations. The NASB has it as They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. And Matthew’s gospel in the NASB has that one phrase as “…wine mixed with gall…”, which is what I remember from my childhood. Gall has a very bitter taste, so wine mixed with gall has always seemed to me to be more of the taunting that Jesus was receiving from the soldiers.
However, what struck me today was the beginning of that NASB translation, They tried to give Him… I wondered why the soldiers were “trying” to give Him this mixture (a stronger emphasis than simply “offering” it to Him). And I wondered if this was more of their taunting or if they were being merciful. My Internet searching led me to an article, “Sour Wine and Gall: Was it a Merciful Gesture or Mockery?” In that article the author goes into great detail about the possible pain-killing effects of a mixture of wine and gall. It made me think even more of whether the soldiers were showing mercy, especially when the next verse says that Jesus did not take their “offer”. That article and others led me to three possible conclusions, that the mixture was (1) a pain-killer (a merciful gesture) or poison typically offered to crucifixion victims; (2) a bitter mixture intended as a continuing taunt; or (3) an intoxicant designed to entertain the soldiers with the victim’s responses to this inebriation. I tend to go with #2 – I don’t see anything else in context that suggests any level of mercy offered by the Roman soldiers. So it remains an interesting study, but not much to go on in the way of reflection!
What is worthy of reflection, however, is Jesus’ response not to accept their offer, especially if #1 is true. I can easily see Jesus rejecting the wine mixture if it was intended for the soldiers’ taunting or entertainment. But if #1, a merciful pain killer, why would Jesus not take it? One explanation in that article suggested that Jesus did not want His senses dulled, that He desired “…to remain conscious throughout His crucifixion without any pain relieving agent.” Another Internet article said it even better, “Jesus did not want to die from poisoning or have His senses numbed while on the cross. He knew that He had to shed His blood in order for Him to become the supreme sacrifice for the sins of all man, and He refused to take the easy way out of it.” That sentiment is, I believe, a good reflection to end with.
Slava Bohu!
I too was off on gall yesterday and myrrh today. My note said that this was “often” offered at crucifixions. Could it be either analgesic or to slow responses for breathing, possibly to shorten the time on the cross for their convenience? Hmm. Whatever, Jesus wanted to be fully alert and present for the punishment, not doped up. No avoidance of any of the wrath, but ready to be one again with the Father.