A Form of Compassion

When reading of the crucifixion of Christ in Mark in terse terms, there is a passage (Mark 15:23) that is so benign as to be neglected. It reads "Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it." There is no explanation as to why they would do this but I think that most people view it as a form of compassion showed by the Roman guard to Jesus. After my study this morning, I am convinced it is so.

My study verse today is

Proverbs 31:6 (NIV)

⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing,

wine to those who are in anguish;

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I find it interesting that in the 'book of wisdom' we find instructions from a mother to her kingly son as to the appropriate use of alcohol. In this same book we find numerous admonitions against drunkenness and indeed against "the king's" use of alcohol. And here near the end of the book we find instruction as to how a king should use alcohol, not for himself but as a form of compassion for those who are suffering.

The first phrase "give beer (or strong drink) to those who are perishing..." speaks to the manner in which the king or the compassionate may mitigate the suffering of one who is headed down to destruction. In modern terms, we refer to this as 'making them comfortable' and it is often accomplished through the use of narcotic drugs. For the person who is dying one could argue that there is nothing to be learned by enduring the pain and that allowing that person to die 'pain free' preserves their dignity and is a form of compassion. It is a noble sentiment and one that has existed long before the advent of modern society and narcotic drugs.

So too is the second phrase "{give} wine to those who are in anguish.." Whereas in the first phrase the concept is to ease the transition into death, this phrase speaks to the concept of easing back into life. The purpose of wine in this instance is to provide endurance and to temporarily relieve the burden of an over-burdened mind so that the person may be re-established. It is as though it is a 'reset button' of sorts. It interrupts the 'run away' anguish and anxiety that our minds so easily engage in and allows a moment of relief after which a new perspective may be gained. Neither this passage nor I indicate that drinking to drunkenness is the order but rather to the point of dulling the pain so as to be better able to handle it. It is a form of compassion for the king, or for us, to bear the burdens of others in this manner.

Now returning to the passage in Mark with the understanding that the offering of wine mixed with myrrh was intended to ease the transition from life to death for Jesus, we must take note that he declined. I believe he did this that he might fulfill his duties in full conscience and in the full embrace of his sorrow.

Having addressed the practical and obvious considerations of today's study passage, I feel that I must offer an alternative interpretation based on the new convenant of Christ's blood. Specifically, that for those who are perishing, and by that I mean perishing in the world by way of sinfulness, we must offer the strong drink of Godly repentance. For many, it may be perceived as a 'bitter pill' but having consumed this strong drink ourselves we are full aware of the soothing effect upon our soul. We know too that the 'elixir' of repentance leads to the reversal of perishing. Thus, to strongly rebuke the sinner and to offer the 'strong drink' of the message of repentance is too a form of compassion.

For all people who are vexed by the problems of life, those who are oppressed by anxiety and anguish, we must offer the sweet wine of Christ's love. I do not speak of mere words and platitudes but rather the loving embrace of a real disciple. Words of encouragement, sincere prayers, loving patience, warm presence and yes, casseroles offer the opportunity for the vexed to gain a new perspective, to be re-oriented and to right themselves anew that they may bear their burden with dignity. In every way, we are to help to bear their burden, this is the wine of Christ's love and it is the very essence of compassion.

Christ filled my glass in this manner and I will seek today to fill someone's glass from my own.

Cheers,

Carl