Mark 15:23 – “Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.”
Extended Explanation
As Jesus arrives at Golgotha, the place where He will be crucified, He is offered wine mixed with myrrh. This mixture was commonly given to those being executed as a mild sedative or pain reliever to dull their suffering. However, Jesus refuses the drink. His decision not to take it is significant because it shows His determination to fully endure the suffering of the cross with a clear mind and complete awareness.
By refusing the pain relief, Jesus willingly embraces the full extent of the suffering required for humanity’s salvation. His decision reflects His obedience to God’s plan and His willingness to bear the full punishment for sin without any shortcuts or numbing of the experience.
Historical Context
In ancient times, it was common for people to offer wine mixed with myrrh or other bitter herbs to those being executed. Myrrh was a fragrant resin often used in perfumes, anointing oils, and burial preparations, but when mixed with wine, it had a narcotic effect that could help dull pain. This gesture was likely an act of mercy, possibly carried out by compassionate bystanders rather than the Roman soldiers.
The crucifixion process was brutal, involving intense pain and prolonged suffering. The offer of wine mixed with myrrh was meant to alleviate some of the victim’s pain, but it was far from a solution to the agony of crucifixion. By refusing this drink, Jesus demonstrates His complete acceptance of the suffering He is about to endure.
Theological Implications
Jesus’ refusal of the wine mixed with myrrh carries deep theological meaning. His suffering on the cross was not just a physical ordeal—it had a spiritual purpose. Jesus was bearing the weight of humanity’s sin, and to fulfill His mission, He chose to fully experience the pain and judgment that sin deserved. Isaiah 53:4-5 says, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… the punishment that brought us peace was on him.”
By refusing to dull His pain, Jesus shows that He was fully committed to paying the price for sin. He did not seek to ease His burden or lessen the sacrifice. His suffering was complete, ensuring that the debt of sin was fully paid. This also points to His role as the perfect sacrifice, as He willingly endured the punishment we deserve.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short but packed with meaning. The act of offering wine mixed with myrrh sets up a moment of choice for Jesus. His refusal highlights His resolve and obedience to God’s will. The phrase “but he did not take it” carries weight, emphasizing Jesus’ deliberate decision to face the full extent of His suffering.
The detail about myrrh is significant because myrrh was also one of the gifts given to Jesus at His birth by the Magi (Matthew 2:11). At His birth, myrrh symbolized His role as a king who would die, and now, at His crucifixion, it appears again as part of the suffering He willingly embraces. This literary connection underscores the purpose of Jesus’ life and mission from beginning to end.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 69:21 – “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” This verse foreshadows the bitter drink offered to Jesus.
- Isaiah 53:4-5 – “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering.”
- Matthew 2:11 – The Magi bring myrrh as a gift to the infant Jesus, symbolizing His future suffering and death.
- Hebrews 12:2 – “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.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers, this verse is a reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love and commitment to our salvation. He willingly endured the full measure of pain and suffering so that we could be forgiven and set free from sin. His refusal to take the wine mixed with myrrh demonstrates His complete dedication to fulfilling God’s plan, no matter the cost.
This verse also challenges Christians to reflect on their own willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. Following Jesus often involves sacrifice and discomfort. Just as Jesus refused to take the easy way out, believers are called to endure trials with faith and perseverance, trusting that God will bring purpose out of their suffering.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in Jesus’ refusal of the wine mixed with myrrh because it shows that He was willing to endure the full penalty of sin on our behalf. His love is not distant or partial—it is sacrificial and complete. By refusing to ease His suffering, Jesus demonstrated the extent of His love for humanity. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
This verse also reveals God’s love in the sense that He did not spare His own Son from suffering. Instead, God allowed Jesus to endure the cross so that we could be saved. This shows that God’s love is not just about comfort—it’s about providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus’ role as the suffering servant who willingly bore the sins of the world. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” By refusing the wine mixed with myrrh, Jesus demonstrates that He is the perfect and complete sacrifice, taking on the full weight of sin without seeking to avoid any part of the punishment.
This moment also reflects Jesus’ obedience to the Father. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently submitted to God’s will, even when it led to pain and suffering. His refusal of the wine mixed with myrrh is another example of His commitment to fulfilling His mission to redeem humanity.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Jesus refused the wine mixed with myrrh, even though it could have eased His pain?
- How does Jesus’ willingness to endure the full extent of suffering impact your understanding of His love for you?
- In what ways are you called to endure hardships or sacrifices in your walk with Christ?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan, even when it involved suffering?
- How can you live with greater gratitude and commitment, knowing the price Jesus paid for your salvation?