It was the dark night of the soul. All dark nights, centuries of human existence culminated in this One. Will there be a Morning of Joy?
The Saviour’s body was laid lifeless. Bruises and lacerations caused by the brutal scourging of the Roman whip, cat of nine tails, were covered with the traditional Jewish bandaging of the dead body. Nicodemus, Sanhedrin leader, out of respect, offered aloe and myrrh, to be used in the embalming process. Numbered with transgressors in His death, but buried with the rich, was the prophecy about the Messiah. No life could remain after the burial process. Simon the Cyrene, a black Jew carried the cross for Jesus. Simon of Arimathea, a rich man, negotiated with Pilate to bury the body in a newly hewn tomb grave.
Death and Resurrection
Famed archaeologist Captain Lew Wallace who wrote Ben Hur came to faith by the historical veracity of Luke’s Gospel. In his excavations he found Luke’s details were always accurate. In Jerusalem to this day there is a rock face by the gate nearest to the preserved Gabbatha – seat of governance of Pilate, the Roman Governor in 30 CE. The rock looks like a skull about the height of a coconut tree. This probably was Golgotha (Place of Skull) where Christ was crucified. Calvary = Latin Calvarium = Skull. The rock has two small caves and a big one in an inverted triangular formation looking like eyes and mouth. Adjacent is an archaeologically restored and confirmed 1st century vineyard where olives and vines grew and there is also a rich man’s tomb and rock to roll to shut the grave. In all probability this was where the Body of Jesus was laid prior to resurrection.
Here is something you can test. Some think Christ did not die – he only fainted. What happens when someone is crucified? He can breathe in (inhale) but can’t breathe out (exhale). Air is trapped in the lungs and pressure increases in the pleural cavity and lungs. Lung artery pressure and Right heart pressure which is 25/10 mmHg go up to levels of Left side pressure. The right ventricle is thin and begins to fail. Fluid leaks and fills the pleural cavity and pericardial sac. The heart is tight and fails. Cardiac Tamponade.
The Roman Government checks the death of the victim by piercing the heart with spear. In Christ’s case blood clots and fluid came out when his heart was pierced.
Death was confirmed. A victim is nailed through the wrist between ulna and radius bones.
Pilate asked if Jesus had died that fast. Mark 15:44, John 19:33,34. The centurion confirmed His death. That was a part of the medico-legal Roman exercise to confirm death before burial. Theorising that Jesus of Nazareth did not die is contrary to proof.
Allegory
A one tonne rock was rolled to block the entrance and a Roman guard was set up to prevent disciples robbing the body. It was a perfect picture of the human predicament – dead in sin and trespass but taken over by the Saviour.
1. We have many wounds – hurting each other – backbiting, backstabbing, unforgiveness, revenge
2. However, we bandage our wounds and dandify ourselves with perfumery and human accolades – education, academics, entertainment, power, wealth, beauty, fame
3. Rock cave – may mean our cultural entourage, that keeps us from seeking the Saviour
4. Guards – demonic resistance
Day after Sabbath – first Resurrection Sunday
Into this bleak scenario, entered the Spirit of God, entering into the body of Jesus, He read the Law – no sin to hold the Saviour in death. He is now risen. Bandages off. Body healed as we are healed of our brokenness. Rock rolls with the earthquake signing up resurrection. Humble women our first at the tomb.
Victory cry
The Resurrection marks the victory of justice over evil. The Cross was a marriage between Truth and Mercy where righteousness was groomsman and Peace was the chief bridesmaid.
“It is Finished”
– Enmity between God and man is finished
– Alienation from God is finished
– Sacrifices finished
– Penalty for sin is finished
– Tit for tat is finished
– Now we learn to forgive as He forgave.
