Christ's FATAL crucifixion
Ok, just HAD to find the Strobel notes tonight; otherwise I won't get to it until tomorrow evening.
- 1. Did Jesus REALLY sweat blood? Yes, this is a condition called hematidrosis. Severe anxiety can trigger the release of chemicals that break down the capillaries in the sweatglands, causing blood from the caps to leak into the glands! The sweat comes out tinged with blood.
- 2. What was a Roman flogging like? Not good. Very brutal. Whips of braided leather with metal balls woven into them were used. They caused deep tissue bruises or contusions which would break open with subsequent blows. Whips also had small pieces of bone inbedded. Sometimes the person's spine would become exposed by the deep breaks in the skin.
The flogging extended from the shoulders down to the back of the person's thighs. Eusebius (3rd cent. historian) said, "The sufferer's veins were laid bare, and the very muscles, sinews, and bowels of the victim were open to exposure." - 3. What is hypovolemic shock? This is shock resulting from loss of large amounts of blood, which has three effects: the heart races, blood pressure drops, and kidneys stop producing urine, leading to dehydration and extreme thirst.
- 4. How does crucifixion kill? Cardiac arrest caused by asphixiation. This is a very slow death. A lot of tension on the muscles in the feet, diaphragm, and shoulders (which were already dislocated from the weight of hanging by one's WRISTS!) came from trying to inhale and exhale, and the tension and effort eventually led to total exhaustion and inability to inhale.
- 5. What was the blood and water that came out of Christ's side? Heart failure (brought on by a sustained rapid heartrate) caused a build-up of fluid around the heart, called pericardial effusion, and lungs, called pleural effusion. When the spear was thrust in his side and pulled out, the clear fluid came out, followed by blood.
- 6. At what point could the soldiers be certain that Jesus was dead? When the water and blood poured from his side.
- 7. Why did soldiers club the legs of the other two men being crucified? To speed up their death. Shattering the bones in their legs prevented them from pushing up with their feet in order to inhale. Asphyxiation would then occur in a matter of moments.
More tomorrow.
"Who do you say that I Am?" -Jesus