Myrrh

We all remember the three wisemen who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus, the newborn King. Obviously, those things were considered valuable. But do you know what myrrh was used for? 

Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Myrrh mixed with posca or wine was widely used in many ancient cultures to produce pleasurable feelings and as an analgesic.

Hmm. That last sentence.... an analgesic. That's a painkiller. Keep that in mind as you read this:

"They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it." - Mark 12:22-23

They offered Jesus a painkiller, but He wouldn't take it. Why not? Surely, crucifixion must be painful.

Remember back when Jesus was being arrested? Peter pulled out his sword and was willing to fight. Jesus said this:

"Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” - John 18:12

Jesus didn't want a painkiller because He wanted to obey the full will of God. He actually wanted to receive the full penalty for our sins, in obedience to the Father.

Would you or I have taken the wine mixed with myrrh to ease the pain? Most likely. But Jesus, even in His death, wanted to be obedient to the max.