Jesus was Fully Aware

Mark 15:23 Then they gave Him wine and mingled it with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it.

When I began to read Mark 15 today, this verse really struck me. I was curious, so I looked it up. Wine mixed with myrrh was meant to help ease the pain. But Jesus refused it! All I could think was…wow!! I have never realized this! Jesus wanted to be fully aware that day. No shortcuts. Fully aware of the pain, the mocking, the sacrifice He was making. I can’t even begin to imagine all that He endured that day.

Then, in Mark 15:36, someone filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. I also looked this up. They believed Jesus was calling for Elijah. They wanted to wait and see if Elijah would come. This sour wine would keep Jesus conscious a little longer. This wine, Jesus chose to drink. Again, He was choosing to remain fully aware. But think about why…

In full awareness, Jesus said in Luke 23:34, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Also, in full awareness, in Luke 23:43, Jesus said to a criminal also hanging on a cross, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Man, I read all of this, and my emotions are SO stirred. The pain He endured so willingly because He loves us SO MUCH hurts me and fills my heart SO FULL all at the same time.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

God gave His son fully aware of the cost, so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Praise God!!