The Phoenicians were the first to devise crucifixion. They had tried death by spear, by boiling in oil... I will not get into more of their macabre methods, but they realised that all their methods were too quick. They wanted a means of punishing criminals slowly, over an extended period of time.
The cross suited their purpose perfectly, since not only was the punishment slow and painful, it also served as a deterrent, as it was visible to the public. Sometimes men clung on to life for over two days, hanging on the cross in the scorching sun, presumably screaming in pain.
Initially, the authorities even stripped the wrong-doers, as nudity added to the shame of being on the cross, and at the same time made them helpless as thousands of insects stung them. Since this kind of punishment was generally given outside the city, birds of prey and animals looking for food waited patiently at the foot of the cross... waiting for the men to die.
The scorching sun, stinging insects and hungry wild animals were a lethal combination which could kill even those guarding the prisoners, and they learned that driving nails into the wrists and feet led the men to die in a few hours, rather than a few days if they had been tied with ropes. This was exactly what the authorities wanted and they just left those on the cross to their fate and withdrew the guards posted at the cross... so bad were the conditions around the cross. As for those nailed to the cross, we can assume that they were in a lot of pain from the nails tearing into their flesh, the hot sun, dehydration and the insects.
Jesus was nailed to the cross and suffered this punishment, which was reserved for their worst detractors. But it was not as if he was just brought to the site straight from the prison. He suffered much more torture than was generally meted out to hardened criminals. He was captured the previous night and was on trial the whole night and early the next morning. For nearly 14 hours, he had no food or water. There has been considerable loss of body fluids due to the flogging and torture.
Let’s try and understand the pain we went through: The nailing of the feet was done to provide a cruel ‘step’ for the person to support himself, and breathe. Otherwise, the sagging body would go into spasms which prevented exhalation. The victim would then quickly suffocate due to an inability to use the respiratory muscles. As the hours wore on, the body was soaked in perspiration. Thirst became intense, while pain and shock were tremendous.
Jesus had to use the nail that was driven through his feet, as a step, to hoist himself with his arms, just to speak... the words from the cross are therefore no ordinary words. There must have been an intense reflection and thought on what to say and to say it in those few seconds he could heave himself up.
Jesus by saying “I thirst” communicates a human need. I would like us to meditate on two dimensions in this verse.
Firstly why were we unable to perceive the human need of Jesus? Even if we did, what prevented us from taking action and showing empathy?
This was not the first word of Jesus. He has addressed all His key stakeholders:
- Enemies & World At Large
- Neighbours and those in Need
- Family
- God
Now in this word he expresses His own need. Unfortunately no one has perceived or even taken action to satisfy His need.
We do expect loved ones to respond, but that does not happen. What is the response to this expression?
We notice three possibilities in this situation
Respond : Most obvious to satisfy the need.
Indifference : We may never know the reason for the inaction but consider the residue and hurt it leaves on the person in need.
Being Cruel or Dysfunctional : Causing even more pain instead of helping. Giving vinegar when you need water as an example. Incidentally this was very cheap and a popular drink among the soldiers.
While we may not wish to be in the cruel response, can we at the time pause and say I will be more active and respond to those in need than be inactive or indifferent?
We now come to the second dimension in this incident. Pause with me carefully as we need to refer the verses again.
Psalm 69:21 prophesied, “They gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
Jesus knew the scripture even in pain. He created a context to fulfill the scripture. He did not say give me vinegar. But by saying, “I thirst” created a context for a response.
The soldiers though ignorant of the prophecy had an option to respond with water but chose to be cruel.
Our reflection to this is, “What can I do to fulfill the scripture in my life?”
There are two prerequisites to make this happen.
1) Knowing the Scripture.
2) Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Why is it important to fulfil the scripture through our lives?
It is said about the young Mary who told Gabriel, “I am the servant, may it be to me as you have said.”
Today an increasing number of people do not know the Lord and his saving power. We as a community of Jesus have the responsibility to make the scripture a reality in their lives. We can also create context to fulfill the scriptures.
Jesus in all his intense pain and anguish said “I thirst.” Can we also say with the same intensity?
I THIRST - For the scripture.
I THIRST - To Fulfil God’s will in my life.
I THIRST - To bring others to Him.
I THIRST – For Integrity, Peace and Justice.
Amen
The cross suited their purpose perfectly, since not only was the punishment slow and painful, it also served as a deterrent, as it was visible to the public. Sometimes men clung on to life for over two days, hanging on the cross in the scorching sun, presumably screaming in pain.
Initially, the authorities even stripped the wrong-doers, as nudity added to the shame of being on the cross, and at the same time made them helpless as thousands of insects stung them. Since this kind of punishment was generally given outside the city, birds of prey and animals looking for food waited patiently at the foot of the cross... waiting for the men to die.
The scorching sun, stinging insects and hungry wild animals were a lethal combination which could kill even those guarding the prisoners, and they learned that driving nails into the wrists and feet led the men to die in a few hours, rather than a few days if they had been tied with ropes. This was exactly what the authorities wanted and they just left those on the cross to their fate and withdrew the guards posted at the cross... so bad were the conditions around the cross. As for those nailed to the cross, we can assume that they were in a lot of pain from the nails tearing into their flesh, the hot sun, dehydration and the insects.
Jesus was nailed to the cross and suffered this punishment, which was reserved for their worst detractors. But it was not as if he was just brought to the site straight from the prison. He suffered much more torture than was generally meted out to hardened criminals. He was captured the previous night and was on trial the whole night and early the next morning. For nearly 14 hours, he had no food or water. There has been considerable loss of body fluids due to the flogging and torture.
Let’s try and understand the pain we went through: The nailing of the feet was done to provide a cruel ‘step’ for the person to support himself, and breathe. Otherwise, the sagging body would go into spasms which prevented exhalation. The victim would then quickly suffocate due to an inability to use the respiratory muscles. As the hours wore on, the body was soaked in perspiration. Thirst became intense, while pain and shock were tremendous.
Jesus had to use the nail that was driven through his feet, as a step, to hoist himself with his arms, just to speak... the words from the cross are therefore no ordinary words. There must have been an intense reflection and thought on what to say and to say it in those few seconds he could heave himself up.
Jesus by saying “I thirst” communicates a human need. I would like us to meditate on two dimensions in this verse.
Firstly why were we unable to perceive the human need of Jesus? Even if we did, what prevented us from taking action and showing empathy?
This was not the first word of Jesus. He has addressed all His key stakeholders:
- Enemies & World At Large
- Neighbours and those in Need
- Family
- God
Now in this word he expresses His own need. Unfortunately no one has perceived or even taken action to satisfy His need.
We do expect loved ones to respond, but that does not happen. What is the response to this expression?
We notice three possibilities in this situation
Respond : Most obvious to satisfy the need.
Indifference : We may never know the reason for the inaction but consider the residue and hurt it leaves on the person in need.
Being Cruel or Dysfunctional : Causing even more pain instead of helping. Giving vinegar when you need water as an example. Incidentally this was very cheap and a popular drink among the soldiers.
While we may not wish to be in the cruel response, can we at the time pause and say I will be more active and respond to those in need than be inactive or indifferent?
We now come to the second dimension in this incident. Pause with me carefully as we need to refer the verses again.
Psalm 69:21 prophesied, “They gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
Jesus knew the scripture even in pain. He created a context to fulfill the scripture. He did not say give me vinegar. But by saying, “I thirst” created a context for a response.
The soldiers though ignorant of the prophecy had an option to respond with water but chose to be cruel.
Our reflection to this is, “What can I do to fulfill the scripture in my life?”
There are two prerequisites to make this happen.
1) Knowing the Scripture.
2) Allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.
Why is it important to fulfil the scripture through our lives?
It is said about the young Mary who told Gabriel, “I am the servant, may it be to me as you have said.”
Today an increasing number of people do not know the Lord and his saving power. We as a community of Jesus have the responsibility to make the scripture a reality in their lives. We can also create context to fulfill the scriptures.
Jesus in all his intense pain and anguish said “I thirst.” Can we also say with the same intensity?
I THIRST - For the scripture.
I THIRST - To Fulfil God’s will in my life.
I THIRST - To bring others to Him.
I THIRST – For Integrity, Peace and Justice.
Amen
Those are the true knowledge. There is 2 ways understanding the God.
ReplyDeletea) One reading the holy bible as a text book (This keeps you stale & Still) and
b) (2nd one The Real Knowledge) To Read, Understand & Act to the mind of Jesus. "I-Thirst" very Inspiring. I would recommend anyone who reads I-thirst, to repeat reading it a few times at least 5 times. As you will be suprise with your self and what the results will be.
Jesus, Bible, Sprituals, are Essence of a Soul, One can Just Read (as Modern days practice/ Approach) or Sing it along & for his soul as a his rhythm of Life. "The Real Knowledge, is to Know Ones Level of Ignorance" "I-Thirst" - 'is the outcome of real knowledge in and out of Words from the Cross'.