Overcoming Death

Overcoming Death (Mark 15:21-24, 34-37, 16:1-8) The (Grim?) Reality God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone (Ezek. 18:32) God gave man a choice between life and death, based on obedience out of whole-hearted love for Him (Deut. 30:15 & 19, Rom. 6:16) But all have fallen short of this, save Jesus (Ps. 89:48, Rom. 3:23, 2 Cor. 1:9) As a result, physical death will come to all (most? Matt. 16:28, Mark 9:1, Luke 9:27) Spiritual death is also inevitable, without acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ Yet spiritual salvation is indeed available to us by accepting that sacrifice (Isa. 25:8, 53:11, Hos. 13:14, John 5:24, 8:51, Rom. 5:6-11, 6:23, 1 Cor. 15:26, 54-56, 1 Pe. 2:24, Rev. 21:4) Jesus experienced the full pain of our sin Scourging (Luke 18:33) The Romans used a whip, called a flagrum or flagellum which consisted of small pieces of bone and metal attached to a number of leather strands. The number of strikes is not recorded in the gospels. However the number of blows in Jewish law was set in Deuteronomy 25:3 at forty. Roman law did not put any limits on the number of blows given. Luke mentions Him as having sweat like blood. The medical term for this, “hematidrosis” has been seen in patients who have experienced, extreme stress or shock to their systems. The capillaries around the sweat pores become fragile and leak blood into the sweat. Terasaka M.D., David. Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, JoshuaNet, 12 Apr. 2003. (Luke 22:40-44). The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a pre-shock state. The hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. Moreover, when the soldiers tore the robe from Jesus’ back, they probably reopened the scourging wounds. Even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus’ physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical. Followed by 650 yard walk, carrying a 100-150 Pound Crossbeam (John 19:17) The Jewish historian Josephus described crucifixion as “the most wretched of deaths.” The word “excruciating”, which means great agony or torment, comes from the. Latin for “From the cross.” When the cross was erected upright, there was tremendous strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders, resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints (Ps. 22:14-15) Hanging on the cross for some 6 hours

Refusing a pain-reducing sedative (Mark 15:23) Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21, Matt. 27:32, Luke 23:26) A stranger (from what we know as Libya) Unexpectedly compelled Isn’t that how God works with us sometimes? Interrupting our plans, asking us to do something unexpectedly and often when it seems most inconvenient? (it could involve e.g. an unexpected stranger in need, a sudden family health problem or death, an unexpected problem in a personal relationship or a business arrangement, etc.) In addition, we often fail to recognize that He is the one asking us for help. (Matt. 25:37-39) How are we instructed to behave when compelled? (Matt. 5:41, John 21:18-19, Phil 2:8) Served/Aided Jesus (John 12:23-26) Have you ever wondered if/how his life may have been changed by this? Being a disciple of Jesus involves taking up our own cross (Matt. 10:38, 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, 14:27) Jesus Faced Death Alone Jesus became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21) God turned His face (Mark 15:34, Ps. 22:1) How should we face death? Of others? Our own?