MYRRH/GALL

 Pastor:

I found some interesting discussions regarding the myrrh/gall offered to Jesus. A good summary of this issue was given as, “The gall or myrrh, which was used in perfume and for embalming, was probably a narcotic. It would either help to numb the pain or it was an invitation to commit suicide.” The differences between Matthew’s (gall) and Mark’s (myrrh) references to the substance offered is an interesting study, but may be summarized as follows:

“Many ideas have been given as to what ‘gall’ means exactly in the text; from being bile to a herbal narcotic. The Greek word used in Matthew is χολή which is imprecise and by context it has been identified with a bitter substance that may have served to dull pain, most probably ‘wormwood (Proverbs 5:4; Lamentations 3:15), a plant used to these days as an ‘amphetamine like’ substance that works in the central nervous system and can heighten the endurance to pain among other things.

“Because wormwood can also produce an agreeable odour despite the bitterness of its crude taste, some have theorised that Mark calls it ‘myrrh’, referring to the acceptable smell of the wormwood used in the wine, which Matthew names ‘gall’ due to the bitterness of its taste.” (https://www.christianity.enterprises/2019/07/was-jesus-given-gall-or-myrrh-to-drink.html)

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I suspect that the “sac that burst” to which you referred was the pericardium. For future reference, please note the following:

“Pericardial effusion (per-e-KAHR-dee-ul uh-FU-zhun) is the buildup of too much fluid in the double-layered, saclike structure around the heart (pericardium).

“The space between these layers typically contains a thin layer of fluid. But if the pericardium is diseased or injured, the resulting inflammation can lead to excess fluid. Fluid can also build up around the heart without inflammation, such as from bleeding, related to a cancer or after chest trauma.

“Pericardial effusion can put pressure on the heart, affecting how the heart works.” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pericardial-effusion/symptoms-causes/syc-20353720)

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Regarding the blood and water that flowed from Jesus’ side following the spear having been thrust into his, please note:

“Those who were flogged would often go into hypovolemic shock, a term that refers to low blood volume. In other words, the person would have lost so much blood he would go into shock. The results of this would be:

1) The heart would race to pump blood that was not there.

2) The victim would collapse or faint due to low blood pressure.

3) The kidneys would shut down to preserve body fluids.

4) The person would experience extreme thirst as the body desired to replenish lost fluids.

“There is evidence from Scripture that Jesus experienced hypovolemic shock as a result of being flogged. As Jesus carried His own cross to Golgotha, He collapsed, and a man named Simon was forced to either carry the cross or help Jesus carry the cross the rest of the way to the hill. This collapse indicates Jesus had low blood pressure. Another indicator that Jesus suffered from hypovolemic shock was that He declared He was thirsty as He hung on the cross, indicating His body’s desire to replenish fluids.

“Prior to death, the sustained rapid heartbeat caused by hypovolemic shock also causes fluid to gather in the sack around the heart and around the lungs. This gathering of fluid in the membrane around the heart is called pericardial effusion, and the fluid gathering around the lungs is called pleural effusion. This explains why, after Jesus died and a Roman soldier thrust a spear through Jesus’ side [cf. Zech. 12:10],  piercing both the lungs and the heart, blood and water came from His side just as John recorded in his Gospel. (https://www.gotquestions.org/blood-water-Jesus.html)

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With all due respect, I would like to suggest that you ask fewer and more comprehensive questions during classes. Although racing through the questions may not be your intention, my experience suggests that many in those classes feel the need to address all questions asked on the sheet provided. This appears to be an impediment to fully exploring the passages under consideration.

For example, per my recollection, you did not ask participants if they had any organic questions (viz., questions arising out of the texts) they would like to address prior to proceeding to the next question.

It would have been appropriate, in my estimation, to have allowed a meaningful discussion of the following:

“When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It’s your responsibility!’” (Matt. 27:24)

As Christians, we should know very well that it was Pilate’s, as it is ours, responsibility to do more than wash our hands regarding attacks on the Savior. Although Pilate was not a believer, he certainly had a responsibility, irrespective of the consequences, to do more than have an innocent man, per his own ruling, flogged and turned over for crucifixion. As Christians, we have a duty to stand in opposition to those things that are an opprobrium to the cause of Christ. We must be willing to recognize sin as sin.