Wormwood and Gall - Wanna Drink?

The other night at Bible Study, we were studying the events of the crucifixion of Jesus, and noted, "they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. (Mt.27:24)."  We normally pass over this, it is interesting that Jesus did not drink it, which begs the question why? This is debated, about whether it was just Roman mockery of the dying or whether it was actually a mercy that they offered the dying. So, from those three aspects, it is worth studying.

First, let's look at the materials "wine mixed with gall."  The correct Greek word for wine is "oinos" and is found in various places throughout the Bible. Here though, it is not this word. The word is "oxos" a derivative of Oinos, indicating that it is "bad wine." The question is how do you translate that?  Many have translated this as vinegar, but we should not think of this as the distilled vinegar of today. What is termed "sour wine" here, was reported to have been a general drink of the common people and Roman soldiers of the day, with the best wines going to the rich and opulent.

This was mixed with the next substance "gall." While the other gospels use this term, Mark uses "myrrh."  Gall, is from the Greek Term "chole" pronounced  khol-ay'. It was commonly called "bitters" because it was bitter tasting. Gall was a substance that was made for medicinal purposes of the day, to be a stupefying agent. Rightfully so, because it was an opiate, It was made from the nocturnal emission of the Poppy where after being scored, in the morning would be collected. This substance was mixed into "wine" to enhance its effects. It was used as a cure-all, sleep aid, and to relieve pain and suffering of various sorts and levels. The more bitter, the stronger the dose. It was equal to the 18th Century Laudanum and Morphine.  Whether it was the mixture I doubt, but they offer Jesus a second time (Mt.27:48; Mk.15:36; Jn.19:29) the sour wine, just before He "gave up His spirit."

Was this a mockery or a mercy?  Whether it was something done out of routine performance or a merciful act towards the criminal during his last breathing moments; the concoction seemed to have had the intent of making the execution of crucifixion somehow bearable for the person undergoing it. Anyone drinking it in this situation, would know why they were being offered it. 

This brings us to the next question, why did Jesus refuse to drink it? We aren't told, so the best that we can do is speculate. However, I do believe the scripture "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.(Heb.4:15)" is relevant here. He bore it all, so that there would be no point where we could say that God does not understand our pains, impulses and anguishes. For us, many of us in our striving against sin, have not had to do so to the point of shedding our blood for it. Jesus did, and He was without sin as even attested of Him by the Romans who were there.

What is the take away from this?  

Wow - a lot!  

Here are a couple:

• The next time you are tempted to do drugs or substance abuse to drown out your pains, sorrows or to escape from reality - realize that the effect is only temporary. The pain will return, as will the reality. Only God can help you deal with the reality. All else is temporary at best.
• Sometimes, the only option for things is to go through them.  Yes, it will hurt physically, mentally and in other ways. But Jesus going through this, to rise again 3  days later shows us that what we think is the end, the worst, etc. is not. With God, all things are possible and He will get us through anything if we give ourselves to Him and trust Him. What you're going through? It is not to be feared, if it doesn't kill you, you will come out on the other side a stronger person. Fear rather, the losing of your soul, for that is final. (Mt.10:28)
• In understanding the pains of others, understand that platitudes are just that. They offer nothing to help the person other than appearing to be a mercy. When people don't want our platitudes, don't be insulted. If platitudes are an excuse for you to avoid helping someone deal with something, then don't. Help if you can, but don't just come up with some saying just to try to appear witty, caring or whatever. It will appear empty, just like the Romans offering Jesus this drink. Be there for the person, walk with them if you can. That will mean more than platitudes.

So, consider this subject. There is a LOT more here than I have covered. I hope that this has helped you to see just a few.

Jim