Tag Archives: Messiah

Suggested Reading: Luke 23:26-56

As we move into this holy week remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior,  I wanted to share a meditation centered on Good Friday to help us prepare our hearts.

Photo Credit: Luigi Diamanti

A couple of years ago, my husband and I watched a program on the History Channel about the ancient practice of crucifixion.  I had to turn away several times as the program reenacted impalements and other tortures of our early world.  Although Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ” gives us a glimpse, we just can’t begin to imagine – or comprehend – how barbaric crucifixion truly was.  Nor can we fathom the sacrifice and price Jesus paid on our behalf.

The History Channel program, however, had me intrigued as several scholars and medical experts who have studied the ancient practice of crucifixion discussed what they think might have been actually caused Jesus’ death.  The experts reasoned that the multiple tortures he endured (even before crucifixion) could have caused any number of medical conditions resulting in death.

The scourging would have ripped Jesus’ back to shreds, with ribbons of flesh hanging and exposing his ribs.  His kidneys and other internal organs would have been severely bruised.  That experience along would have left him near-death.  But before he ever reached Calvary, the soldiers would have tied a 100 pound cross beam to his outstretched arms.  The distance he would have been expected to carry the cross on his wounded back was about a mile.

At some point early in the journey however, the Gospel writers tell us the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene into service, making him carry the cross for Jesus.  In their analysis, the experts followed a tradition that is NOT reflected in the Gospel recounts, but certainly is plausible:  before Simon picked up the cross, Jesus had fallen (with a 100 pound beam strapped to his back) because of his weakened state.

Roman crucifixion resulted in death anywhere from a few hours to up to several days. Victims would have constantly tried to find some position of comfort or relief, only to have the wounds on their backs reopened and nerves hit by nails sending electrifying pain through their feet, legs, hands and arms every time they moved.

Many died from suffocation, a theory I’ve heard over the years for Christ’s death.  However, these scholars don’t buy it.  The Gospels tell us Jesus called out in a loud voice just before he died — something they say would not be physically possible if he was on the verge of suffocation.

What they believe happened was (according to tradition) when he fell on the Via Dolorosa, the weight of that 100 pound cross beam on his back combined with the impact on the ground would have likely bruised his heart, causing a heart aneurysm.  While on the cross, his heart (beating at least 170 beats per minute) would have quickly created a fluid “balloon” at that aneurysm site.  Eventually, it would burst.

These medical experts believe there is further evidence for this theory in the fact that when the Roman guard pierced Jesus side, first blood – then clear liquid – flowed from his side (John 19:34). From this description, they think the guard would have likely pierced what’s called the “Pericardial Sac” which surrounds the heart. Normally this sac contains clear fluid that acts as a lubricant for the heart, but if there’s been an aneurysm, it would contain both blood and clear fluid.  If this analysis is correct, Jesus’ heart literally burst.

Broken.

It chills me to the core when I consider that Christ’s heart was broken not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally as he hung on the cross.

Luke tells us:

The people stood watching, the rulers sneered, the soldiers mocked, and even the criminals hurled insults.  They all called out to him to save himself.  One crucified criminal next to him told him to “Save yourself and us.”  (Paraphrased from Luke 23:35-39)

They didn’t understand that he was…and he did.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2b)

His death was the only acceptable payment for our sin.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

He spared no expense for us, and that  humbles me as I prepare and remember the events of Good Friday and the celebration of an empty tomb.

Let’s Pray:

My precious Jesus – What you endured for us is incomprehensible.  You were beaten beyond recognition and executed in the most humiliating manner possible.  So great is your love for us that you would do that!  Yet, despite all you did, I know I continue to disappoint and sin against you.  Help me Lord to remember – not just this week, but all year-long – the tremendous price you paid, and to live a life worthy of your great sacrifice. Amen.

Taking it deeper: 

How have you broken Jesus’ heart?  Will you take it to him and ask not only for forgiveness, but also the strength to help you turn it around or right a wrong?  

If you want to know more about receiving Christ’s forgiveness and receiving him as Lord and Savior of your life, drop me a line here.