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Tell me right now... would you watch your very own child, a child of your own flesh and blood die on a cross for the sake of others that you do not even know? People who would forsake you and turn against you, yet by sacrificing your very own child, hold onto that tiny shred of hope that it would make a difference? I can't think of anyone who would let their own child be killed for people who you might never chance to meet, yet Almighty GOD, gave HIS only begotten son for YOU!
Can one even comprehend being NAILED to a plank of wood, each muscle straining to hold the other up, ripping, tearing apart.. and only after have being beaten almost beyond recognition... for HOURS clinging to a bit of life and then dying a tortuous death for the sake of mankind, that we may live forever in Heaven?
Yes, GOD is a loving and wonderful GOD, yet HE is also a GOD of balance and for every wrong, there is a right and for every good a bad... for it is not only the law of nature, it is the law of GOD the Father. HE Gave the greatest sacrifice.. the life of his beloved, holy son for us. We have a choice, ONE CHOICE ONLY... Give our lives to the LORD to thank HIM for this unpralleled and absolutely unselfish gift, or shun HIM.
It is not a hard choice to make is it? All he ASKS, IS FOR YOUR SELFLESS ACT OF LOVE.. We love our pets, our cars, our homes... these are things that are nice, but will not get us into Heaven. Only by saying and promising that the LORD YAHUSHUA is our LORD and SAVIOR will we get into Heaven... and we must live by that creedo as well, for if YAHUSHUA wouldn't do it,
we DON'T do it...
We must give to others and expect nothing in return, for when we do that, we will indeed get a bounty of gifts in Heaven.. no money can buy our way in, yet by understanding how to live like GOD wants us to, we will have riches abounding in Heaven.. and remember, when you die you can't take it with you, but if you live and give your life for YAHUSHUA, GOD Almighty, your riches are waiting for you in Heaven!!!
This is truly amazing and terribly disturbing. If you ever wondered just how the Romans perfected the abominable art of crucifixion, you must read this....For a person to die this horrible death is one thing, but for one to die this death for all of mankind is something one cannot put words to.
Following the last supper, YAHUSHUA retired across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemene. As HE entered the garden, HE withdrew from HIS
disciples to pray. This was probably the most traumatic experience YAHUSHUA faced during the next l2 to l8 hours. Who could possibly measure the anguish that YAHUSHUA
experienced as HE submitted HIS will to that of the FATHER--as HE anticipated HIS separation from the Father when HE would bear the sin of the world?
This night--begun as a sleepless one--would be marked by an extreme spiritual struggle:
”And being in agony HE prayed more earnestly: and HIS sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground,”
Luke says (22:44).
This bloody sweat is known medically as hematidrosis, and in the gospel narratives is mentioned only by the physician Luke. We are indeed indebted to the astute observation of this medical doctor. This phenomenon has been documented on other rare occasions among persons undergoing extreme psychological or physiological stress. It is caused by tiny capillaries under the skin surface distending and ultimately going into arterial spasm with necroses, and rupturing into the sweat glands. This results in a bloody secretion--blood mixed with sweat--exuding through the pores of the skin. The loss of this bloody, sweaty mixture would create profound dehydration and early stages of shock.
Unless you reflect on this point, it is easy to overlook the fact that an angel appeared to YAHUSHUA to strengthen HIM. Certainly the intercessory ministry of this angel empowered our LORD to sustain the brutal trauma which was yet to occur.
After the battle with HIS will, YAHUSHUA looked across the night sky toward Jerusalem and saw the torches illuminating the rolling hillside. HE could clearly identify the soldiers, high priests, some members of the Sanhedrin, and HIS own disciple, Judas, leading the mob to arrest HIM. Preliminary collusion with Judas, and the cleverness of Caiaphas was manifested in the nighttime arrest of YAHUSHUA. They evidently feared a rebellion of the people if they attempted to take YAHUSHUA openly.
Not only had the conspirators judged the trial before the arrest, they literally participated in the actual arrest of YAHUSHUA in the Garden of Gethsemene, YAHUSHUA was then taken to the high priest’s house at 0night and under clandestine circumstances---a gross violation of Jewish jurisprudence. In addition, according to Mosaic law, no trial was to take place on the eve of the Sabbath or holiday or on a holiday itself. All four Gospels indicate that this was on the eve of the Sabbath, and more than that, on the eve of the Passover.
The first trial occurred sometime after midnight and was concluded before 3:00 a.m. The Gospels record that YAHUSHUA was led away with HIS hands bound--the same hands that had healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead. But this was only the beginning of the indignities to which YAHUSHUA would be subjected. Before Annas, YAHUSHUA was directly cross-examined in contradiction to the Jewish law. The Sanhedrin and Council were not allowed to apply duress and pressure during a trial, and frank confessions were not accepted by Jewish law. The law itself required two witnesses to bring accusations, but YAHUSHUA was being directly intimidated and cross-examined before Annas, In fact, one of the officers of the high priest accompanying YAHUSHUA struck him with his hand because of the manner of YAHUSHUA’ reply to Annas.
In Luke 22:63,64, we are told that the man holding YAHUSHUA mocked HIM, beat HIM, blindfolded HIM, and asked HIM to prophesy. The same YAHUSHUA who had performed so many miracles and who had been so willing to gather these in HIS arms, now sustains the indignity of their mockery and ridicule before being led away to Caiaphas and the full Sanhedrin.
During the course of this second trial, even the charges against YAHUSHUA were changed because of the inability of the false witnesses to agree in their testimony. In modern terminology, YAHUSHUA was tried for an alleged plot to desecrate a national shrine (HE had claimed to be able to tear down the temple and rebuild it within three days). Caiaphas as the high priest now took an active role in the interrogation of YAHUSHUA. HE commanded YAHUSHUA by the living GOD to speak. By Jewish tradition, this was a compelling oath which a suspect could not refuse. When all else failed, Caiaphas demanded a complete confession. Following the testimony, he rent HIS clothing. This Middle East custom depicted great emotion and undoubtedly prejudiced and influenced the other members of the Sanhedrin.
The trial was so prejudiced, it was beyond any consideration of mercy. YAHUSHUA then was taken before Pilate early in the morning. While being very liberal concerning the trial by their own Jewish law, the accusers now resume their legalistic stance by not entering the Roman courtyard and thereby defiling themselves on the eve of the Passover. This indicates their extreme concern over the minutia of the law versus the more important weightier matters, just as YAHUSHUA had accused them.
As we see YAHUSHUA now, HE’s exhausted from lack of sleep, the two preceding interrogations, abuse, dehydration and ridicule. Yet he stands before this Roman governor with supernatural power. HIS compassionate, soul-searching countenance is bowed in humility. No reviling or bitterness comes from HIS parched, swollen lips. Indeed, HE makes no self-defense at all.
Now Pilate, in an attempt to appease the mob, has YAHUSHUA scourged. This was not ordinarily part of a crucifixion. And there was a difference between Jewish and Roman law in regard to it. Under Jewish law, scourging was limited to 40 lashes. The Jews were so intent that the law be upheld, the beating often was stopped at 39 lashes to be sure that a miscount had not taken place. Roman law knew no such limitations. The prisoner was beaten to the verge of death as measured by a rapidly increasing, thready pulse and/or a shallow, irregular respiratory rate.
Wooden-handled leather whips with three strands were most frequently used. Each strand had a small piece of bone or metal attached to the end which would chip and gouge out pieces of bone and tissue with each lash as it was withdrawn sharply backwards to the readied position. The prisoner was tied across an object that would support his weight after he had lost consciousness. This position also provided easy access to areas of the legs, arms, thighs, and upper chest. Such an atrocity stripped the skin into long, ribbon-like segments, causing profuse arterial bleeding.
The crown of thorns, in the form of a circlet, now was pressed deeply into HIS scalp by the soldiers. This resulted in additional arterial bleeding which added to the extreme reduction and contraction of HIS total vascular space, thereby deepening HIS state of shock.
A purple robe was then thrown across YAHUSHUA’ shoulders and back. It perhaps acted as a temporary compressive dressing, helping to congeal some of the blood pouring from the gaping lesions across HIS thorax, abdomen and legs. The gospel narratives continue the description of the atrocity, including the mockery by the soldiers, YAHUSHUA being spat upon, beaten with reeds, ridiculed, and hailed as the “King of the Jews.”
Isaiah 50:6, a Messianic passage, states, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid my face from shame and spitting.” Anyone who has had any hair pulled from his face or eyebrows knows the pain and resultant swelling.
Then YAHUSHUA came forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man,” John records (l9:5). As YAHUSHUA stood before the howling mob, no doubt HE experienced the clammy, lifeless sensation of advanced shock. Medically, YAHUSHUA would demonstrate cold, pale sweaty skin. The mucous membranes would be bluish and cyanotic and HIS countenance would be haggard and drawn. HIS reflexes would be be depressed, HIS pulse pounding, HIS respiration shallow and barely perceptible. HIS physical strength would be at the point of prostration at best.
Pilate now succumbs to the manipulation by Jewish leaders, and YAHUSHUA is condemned to death by crucifixion. The purple robe is stripped away and YAHUSHUA is given the cross to bear to the place of the skull, Golgotha. The rough removal of HIS garments would be similar to the careless removal of a surgical dressing, causing the wounds to bleed freely once more.
Atonement throughout the Old Testament, beginning in the Garden of Eden where GOD made skins to cover Adam and Eve following their sin, required the sacrifice of blood to provide the covering. Blood atonement reoccurred as the theme through the temple worship. And now in YAHUSHUA we have the profuse loss of blood as the atonement for our sins.
It is interesting that the gospel writers simply indicate that YAHUSHUA was taken to the place of the skull and there crucified. We are left with no further information other than that which can be deduced from the writings of Roman and Jewish historians. This was such a common practice that no elaboration was necessary.
This act, originally practiced by the Phoenicians, was perfected and embellished by the Romans. It was known in the Palestinian area from approximately 200 B.C. until 300 A.D. when it was abolished by Constantine.
Many of the crosses of YAHUSHUA’ day were shaped like the Greek letter Tau. The upright post, the stipes, was permanently fixed in the ground at the execution site, and the transverse beam, carried by the condemned, would be joined to the stipes by a mortise joint which locked into a self-retaining position. This expedited the work of the executioner. The transverse beam weighed as much as l00 pounds. So if YAHUSHUA carried only that portion of the cross, or an entire cross, it is no wonder that he fell.
As YAHUSHUA arrived at the execution site, the beam or cross was thrown upon the ground and YAHUSHUA was roughly thrown backwards onto it. HIS arms were extended to a pre-selected position. The executioners would be careful not to draw HIS arms to a fully extended position, for that would hasten HIS death.
Large triangular construction-grade nails then would be used to secure YAHUSHUA to the cross. The Bible states that these were driven through HIS hands. Many authorities believe that they were driven through the lower portion of HIS forearm near the wrist. There they would compress the median nerve trunks to the hand. These nerve trunks then would impinge on the tendons of the palm causing the thumbs to bend toward the palm.
It is interesting to note the Latin word for hand,manus, also is used by such early writers as Virgil and Josephus to designate the part of the wrist which joins the hand. If, indeed, the nails were driven through HIS hands, as the Bible says, it is not clear how this kept HIM suspended, for a nail through the center palm would tear through it.
Next, with the nails in place, YAHUSHUA would be literally hoisted upright. HIS feet would be secured with a single nail--the left foot extended slightly over the right with the knees flexed, and the nail driven through the arches of the feet.
The Romans had perfected this brutal art to where the length of time required for the condemned person to die could be computed by how much flexion was left in the knees to expedite breathing. HIS position on the cross forced a condemned person into a horribly cruel exercise. In order to breathe and to relieve the pain in the arms as the body sagged downward, he would have to push up on the nail in the feet forcing an up and down slithering motion upon the cross until he expired.
Dangling by the arms in this position would result in severe muscular pain in the upper extremities. It also would cause a progressive pain from joint separation. Continual hanging by the arms would gradually result in paralyzation of the intercostal muscles of the thoracic wall. As a result, air could be drawn into the lungs easily but could not be exhaled. As carbon dioxide accumulated, progressive degrees of asphyxiation would occur. Accumulated carbon dioxide and lactic acid would create an intense muscular hyperexcitability and violent tetanic muscle spasm throughout the body.
As the suffering sensation became overwhelming, the condemned man would be compelled to push up on the nail in HIS feet to gasp for breath. It is undoubtedly in this position that YAHUSHUA uttered HIS famous seven last words. "Abba Father, why has thou forsaken me?" It is indeed amazing, as YAHUSHUA’ physical body was ravaged by shock, exhaustion, incredible thirst, central nervous system pain, stimulation beyond our comprehension, and gradual asphyxiation, that no reviling or words of condemnation were uttered by HIM. Rather, HE expressed concern for those about HIM.
As the crucifixion continued, the chest wall would further elongate and become grossly distorted. The stomach area would sink. The altered hemodynamics of the thoracic cavity would result in a progressive effusion of fluid into the pericardial sack, creating a searing, sharp, pleuritic type pain with each heartbeat and each attempted movement on the cross.
These events are accurately depicted in Psalm 22, which was written hundreds of years before crucifixion was ever practiced: “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head...I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potshard; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
For dogs have compassed me; the assemble of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell (count) all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
YAHUSHUA was placed upon the cross at about the sixth hour. The crucifixion lasted at least through the ninth hour when the darkness fell upon the land. Therefore, by inference, it was approximately six hours before YAHUSHUA released his spirit.
Because it was the eve of the preparation for the Passover, the Jews had asked that the bodies be removed from the crosses. So the soldiers came to break the legs of the prisoners, to hasten their death. But when they came to YAHUSHUA, they found that he already was dead, so as John says (l9:33), “ they brake not his legs...for these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, a bone of him shall not be broken” (Psalm 34:20).
In death, YAHUSHUA was numbered with the transgressors, yet provided a rich man’s burial. (This, too, was prophesied in the Old Testament: Isaiah 53:9). So Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, whose lives had been touched by YAHUSHUA, tenderly provided for the funeral arrangements in a near-by tomb.
The garden tomb area of the old city has a beautiful representative tomb carved out of solid rock which fits the Protestant tradition. One of the most moving experiences during a trip to the Holy Land occurs as you walk into the empty inner chamber. There the guide points out that other believers would say that the burial occurred in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, or over here, or over there. But the exact place is not really important, he says. Whatever tomb contained the body of our Lord YAHUSHUA, it is empty. What a dramatic testimony to the power of our risen Lord YAHUSHUA.
We need to keep considering Calvary, and the blood that was spilled as payment in full for our sins. We need also to remember the empty tomb and the testimony of hundreds of witnesses who saw YAHUSHUA physically following HIS resurrection. Then we need to answer the same haunting question that Pilate faced, “What shall I do with this man called YAHUSHUA?”
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
A Physician Looks At YAHUSHUA's Death
HE DIED for YOUR SINS!!
Throughout history, people have given their very lives for what they believe in, but can you imagine one person giving their life for the sake of ALL mankind? For the Salvation and eternal life of every person ever born and ever to be born? YAHUSHUA did that for you! HE did not have to die, HE CHOSE to die, and as the SON OF GOD, was literally sacrificed for our SINS!Tell me right now... would you watch your very own child, a child of your own flesh and blood die on a cross for the sake of others that you do not even know? People who would forsake you and turn against you, yet by sacrificing your very own child, hold onto that tiny shred of hope that it would make a difference? I can't think of anyone who would let their own child be killed for people who you might never chance to meet, yet Almighty GOD, gave HIS only begotten son for YOU!
Can one even comprehend being NAILED to a plank of wood, each muscle straining to hold the other up, ripping, tearing apart.. and only after have being beaten almost beyond recognition... for HOURS clinging to a bit of life and then dying a tortuous death for the sake of mankind, that we may live forever in Heaven?
Yes, GOD is a loving and wonderful GOD, yet HE is also a GOD of balance and for every wrong, there is a right and for every good a bad... for it is not only the law of nature, it is the law of GOD the Father. HE Gave the greatest sacrifice.. the life of his beloved, holy son for us. We have a choice, ONE CHOICE ONLY... Give our lives to the LORD to thank HIM for this unpralleled and absolutely unselfish gift, or shun HIM.
It is not a hard choice to make is it? All he ASKS, IS FOR YOUR SELFLESS ACT OF LOVE.. We love our pets, our cars, our homes... these are things that are nice, but will not get us into Heaven. Only by saying and promising that the LORD YAHUSHUA is our LORD and SAVIOR will we get into Heaven... and we must live by that creedo as well, for if YAHUSHUA wouldn't do it,
we DON'T do it...
We must give to others and expect nothing in return, for when we do that, we will indeed get a bounty of gifts in Heaven.. no money can buy our way in, yet by understanding how to live like GOD wants us to, we will have riches abounding in Heaven.. and remember, when you die you can't take it with you, but if you live and give your life for YAHUSHUA, GOD Almighty, your riches are waiting for you in Heaven!!!
This is truly amazing and terribly disturbing. If you ever wondered just how the Romans perfected the abominable art of crucifixion, you must read this....For a person to die this horrible death is one thing, but for one to die this death for all of mankind is something one cannot put words to.
Following the last supper, YAHUSHUA retired across the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemene. As HE entered the garden, HE withdrew from HIS
disciples to pray. This was probably the most traumatic experience YAHUSHUA faced during the next l2 to l8 hours. Who could possibly measure the anguish that YAHUSHUA
experienced as HE submitted HIS will to that of the FATHER--as HE anticipated HIS separation from the Father when HE would bear the sin of the world?
This night--begun as a sleepless one--would be marked by an extreme spiritual struggle:
”And being in agony HE prayed more earnestly: and HIS sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground,”
Luke says (22:44).
This bloody sweat is known medically as hematidrosis, and in the gospel narratives is mentioned only by the physician Luke. We are indeed indebted to the astute observation of this medical doctor. This phenomenon has been documented on other rare occasions among persons undergoing extreme psychological or physiological stress. It is caused by tiny capillaries under the skin surface distending and ultimately going into arterial spasm with necroses, and rupturing into the sweat glands. This results in a bloody secretion--blood mixed with sweat--exuding through the pores of the skin. The loss of this bloody, sweaty mixture would create profound dehydration and early stages of shock.
Unless you reflect on this point, it is easy to overlook the fact that an angel appeared to YAHUSHUA to strengthen HIM. Certainly the intercessory ministry of this angel empowered our LORD to sustain the brutal trauma which was yet to occur.
After the battle with HIS will, YAHUSHUA looked across the night sky toward Jerusalem and saw the torches illuminating the rolling hillside. HE could clearly identify the soldiers, high priests, some members of the Sanhedrin, and HIS own disciple, Judas, leading the mob to arrest HIM. Preliminary collusion with Judas, and the cleverness of Caiaphas was manifested in the nighttime arrest of YAHUSHUA. They evidently feared a rebellion of the people if they attempted to take YAHUSHUA openly.
Not only had the conspirators judged the trial before the arrest, they literally participated in the actual arrest of YAHUSHUA in the Garden of Gethsemene, YAHUSHUA was then taken to the high priest’s house at 0night and under clandestine circumstances---a gross violation of Jewish jurisprudence. In addition, according to Mosaic law, no trial was to take place on the eve of the Sabbath or holiday or on a holiday itself. All four Gospels indicate that this was on the eve of the Sabbath, and more than that, on the eve of the Passover.
The first trial occurred sometime after midnight and was concluded before 3:00 a.m. The Gospels record that YAHUSHUA was led away with HIS hands bound--the same hands that had healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, and raised the dead. But this was only the beginning of the indignities to which YAHUSHUA would be subjected. Before Annas, YAHUSHUA was directly cross-examined in contradiction to the Jewish law. The Sanhedrin and Council were not allowed to apply duress and pressure during a trial, and frank confessions were not accepted by Jewish law. The law itself required two witnesses to bring accusations, but YAHUSHUA was being directly intimidated and cross-examined before Annas, In fact, one of the officers of the high priest accompanying YAHUSHUA struck him with his hand because of the manner of YAHUSHUA’ reply to Annas.
In Luke 22:63,64, we are told that the man holding YAHUSHUA mocked HIM, beat HIM, blindfolded HIM, and asked HIM to prophesy. The same YAHUSHUA who had performed so many miracles and who had been so willing to gather these in HIS arms, now sustains the indignity of their mockery and ridicule before being led away to Caiaphas and the full Sanhedrin.
During the course of this second trial, even the charges against YAHUSHUA were changed because of the inability of the false witnesses to agree in their testimony. In modern terminology, YAHUSHUA was tried for an alleged plot to desecrate a national shrine (HE had claimed to be able to tear down the temple and rebuild it within three days). Caiaphas as the high priest now took an active role in the interrogation of YAHUSHUA. HE commanded YAHUSHUA by the living GOD to speak. By Jewish tradition, this was a compelling oath which a suspect could not refuse. When all else failed, Caiaphas demanded a complete confession. Following the testimony, he rent HIS clothing. This Middle East custom depicted great emotion and undoubtedly prejudiced and influenced the other members of the Sanhedrin.
The trial was so prejudiced, it was beyond any consideration of mercy. YAHUSHUA then was taken before Pilate early in the morning. While being very liberal concerning the trial by their own Jewish law, the accusers now resume their legalistic stance by not entering the Roman courtyard and thereby defiling themselves on the eve of the Passover. This indicates their extreme concern over the minutia of the law versus the more important weightier matters, just as YAHUSHUA had accused them.
As we see YAHUSHUA now, HE’s exhausted from lack of sleep, the two preceding interrogations, abuse, dehydration and ridicule. Yet he stands before this Roman governor with supernatural power. HIS compassionate, soul-searching countenance is bowed in humility. No reviling or bitterness comes from HIS parched, swollen lips. Indeed, HE makes no self-defense at all.
Now Pilate, in an attempt to appease the mob, has YAHUSHUA scourged. This was not ordinarily part of a crucifixion. And there was a difference between Jewish and Roman law in regard to it. Under Jewish law, scourging was limited to 40 lashes. The Jews were so intent that the law be upheld, the beating often was stopped at 39 lashes to be sure that a miscount had not taken place. Roman law knew no such limitations. The prisoner was beaten to the verge of death as measured by a rapidly increasing, thready pulse and/or a shallow, irregular respiratory rate.
Wooden-handled leather whips with three strands were most frequently used. Each strand had a small piece of bone or metal attached to the end which would chip and gouge out pieces of bone and tissue with each lash as it was withdrawn sharply backwards to the readied position. The prisoner was tied across an object that would support his weight after he had lost consciousness. This position also provided easy access to areas of the legs, arms, thighs, and upper chest. Such an atrocity stripped the skin into long, ribbon-like segments, causing profuse arterial bleeding.
The crown of thorns, in the form of a circlet, now was pressed deeply into HIS scalp by the soldiers. This resulted in additional arterial bleeding which added to the extreme reduction and contraction of HIS total vascular space, thereby deepening HIS state of shock.
A purple robe was then thrown across YAHUSHUA’ shoulders and back. It perhaps acted as a temporary compressive dressing, helping to congeal some of the blood pouring from the gaping lesions across HIS thorax, abdomen and legs. The gospel narratives continue the description of the atrocity, including the mockery by the soldiers, YAHUSHUA being spat upon, beaten with reeds, ridiculed, and hailed as the “King of the Jews.”
Isaiah 50:6, a Messianic passage, states, “I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair. I hid my face from shame and spitting.” Anyone who has had any hair pulled from his face or eyebrows knows the pain and resultant swelling.
Then YAHUSHUA came forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man,” John records (l9:5). As YAHUSHUA stood before the howling mob, no doubt HE experienced the clammy, lifeless sensation of advanced shock. Medically, YAHUSHUA would demonstrate cold, pale sweaty skin. The mucous membranes would be bluish and cyanotic and HIS countenance would be haggard and drawn. HIS reflexes would be be depressed, HIS pulse pounding, HIS respiration shallow and barely perceptible. HIS physical strength would be at the point of prostration at best.
Pilate now succumbs to the manipulation by Jewish leaders, and YAHUSHUA is condemned to death by crucifixion. The purple robe is stripped away and YAHUSHUA is given the cross to bear to the place of the skull, Golgotha. The rough removal of HIS garments would be similar to the careless removal of a surgical dressing, causing the wounds to bleed freely once more.
Atonement throughout the Old Testament, beginning in the Garden of Eden where GOD made skins to cover Adam and Eve following their sin, required the sacrifice of blood to provide the covering. Blood atonement reoccurred as the theme through the temple worship. And now in YAHUSHUA we have the profuse loss of blood as the atonement for our sins.
It is interesting that the gospel writers simply indicate that YAHUSHUA was taken to the place of the skull and there crucified. We are left with no further information other than that which can be deduced from the writings of Roman and Jewish historians. This was such a common practice that no elaboration was necessary.
This act, originally practiced by the Phoenicians, was perfected and embellished by the Romans. It was known in the Palestinian area from approximately 200 B.C. until 300 A.D. when it was abolished by Constantine.
Many of the crosses of YAHUSHUA’ day were shaped like the Greek letter Tau. The upright post, the stipes, was permanently fixed in the ground at the execution site, and the transverse beam, carried by the condemned, would be joined to the stipes by a mortise joint which locked into a self-retaining position. This expedited the work of the executioner. The transverse beam weighed as much as l00 pounds. So if YAHUSHUA carried only that portion of the cross, or an entire cross, it is no wonder that he fell.
As YAHUSHUA arrived at the execution site, the beam or cross was thrown upon the ground and YAHUSHUA was roughly thrown backwards onto it. HIS arms were extended to a pre-selected position. The executioners would be careful not to draw HIS arms to a fully extended position, for that would hasten HIS death.
Large triangular construction-grade nails then would be used to secure YAHUSHUA to the cross. The Bible states that these were driven through HIS hands. Many authorities believe that they were driven through the lower portion of HIS forearm near the wrist. There they would compress the median nerve trunks to the hand. These nerve trunks then would impinge on the tendons of the palm causing the thumbs to bend toward the palm.
It is interesting to note the Latin word for hand,manus, also is used by such early writers as Virgil and Josephus to designate the part of the wrist which joins the hand. If, indeed, the nails were driven through HIS hands, as the Bible says, it is not clear how this kept HIM suspended, for a nail through the center palm would tear through it.
Next, with the nails in place, YAHUSHUA would be literally hoisted upright. HIS feet would be secured with a single nail--the left foot extended slightly over the right with the knees flexed, and the nail driven through the arches of the feet.
The Romans had perfected this brutal art to where the length of time required for the condemned person to die could be computed by how much flexion was left in the knees to expedite breathing. HIS position on the cross forced a condemned person into a horribly cruel exercise. In order to breathe and to relieve the pain in the arms as the body sagged downward, he would have to push up on the nail in the feet forcing an up and down slithering motion upon the cross until he expired.
Dangling by the arms in this position would result in severe muscular pain in the upper extremities. It also would cause a progressive pain from joint separation. Continual hanging by the arms would gradually result in paralyzation of the intercostal muscles of the thoracic wall. As a result, air could be drawn into the lungs easily but could not be exhaled. As carbon dioxide accumulated, progressive degrees of asphyxiation would occur. Accumulated carbon dioxide and lactic acid would create an intense muscular hyperexcitability and violent tetanic muscle spasm throughout the body.
As the suffering sensation became overwhelming, the condemned man would be compelled to push up on the nail in HIS feet to gasp for breath. It is undoubtedly in this position that YAHUSHUA uttered HIS famous seven last words. "Abba Father, why has thou forsaken me?" It is indeed amazing, as YAHUSHUA’ physical body was ravaged by shock, exhaustion, incredible thirst, central nervous system pain, stimulation beyond our comprehension, and gradual asphyxiation, that no reviling or words of condemnation were uttered by HIM. Rather, HE expressed concern for those about HIM.
As the crucifixion continued, the chest wall would further elongate and become grossly distorted. The stomach area would sink. The altered hemodynamics of the thoracic cavity would result in a progressive effusion of fluid into the pericardial sack, creating a searing, sharp, pleuritic type pain with each heartbeat and each attempted movement on the cross.
These events are accurately depicted in Psalm 22, which was written hundreds of years before crucifixion was ever practiced: “All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head...I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potshard; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
For dogs have compassed me; the assemble of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell (count) all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”
YAHUSHUA was placed upon the cross at about the sixth hour. The crucifixion lasted at least through the ninth hour when the darkness fell upon the land. Therefore, by inference, it was approximately six hours before YAHUSHUA released his spirit.
Because it was the eve of the preparation for the Passover, the Jews had asked that the bodies be removed from the crosses. So the soldiers came to break the legs of the prisoners, to hasten their death. But when they came to YAHUSHUA, they found that he already was dead, so as John says (l9:33), “ they brake not his legs...for these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, a bone of him shall not be broken” (Psalm 34:20).
In death, YAHUSHUA was numbered with the transgressors, yet provided a rich man’s burial. (This, too, was prophesied in the Old Testament: Isaiah 53:9). So Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, whose lives had been touched by YAHUSHUA, tenderly provided for the funeral arrangements in a near-by tomb.
The garden tomb area of the old city has a beautiful representative tomb carved out of solid rock which fits the Protestant tradition. One of the most moving experiences during a trip to the Holy Land occurs as you walk into the empty inner chamber. There the guide points out that other believers would say that the burial occurred in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, or over here, or over there. But the exact place is not really important, he says. Whatever tomb contained the body of our Lord YAHUSHUA, it is empty. What a dramatic testimony to the power of our risen Lord YAHUSHUA.
We need to keep considering Calvary, and the blood that was spilled as payment in full for our sins. We need also to remember the empty tomb and the testimony of hundreds of witnesses who saw YAHUSHUA physically following HIS resurrection. Then we need to answer the same haunting question that Pilate faced, “What shall I do with this man called YAHUSHUA?”
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