“They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink” (Psalm 69:21 ESV).
This psalm of David found its fulfillment in Christ’s suffering on the cross. Although the ESV translates the Hebrew as “poison,” the word may also be translated “gall” as it is in other versions. This points to the drink offered Jesus on the cross. Reading the four gospels together, it appears that Jesus was offered at least two drinks and perhaps three.
The first drink offered, according to Matthew and Mark, was wine mixed with gall or myrrh. This was offered as He arrived on Golgotha to be crucified. According to tradition, a narcotic drink was offered to those condemned to death in order to decrease their sensitivity to the excruciating pain. Jesus refused this drink, choosing to suffer with complete consciousness.
The second drink was offered by the Roman soldiers in mockery when the crowd thought He was calling for Elijah (Luke 23:36). He did not drink it.
The third drink was requested by Jesus. He said simply, “I thirst” (John 19:28). And the soldiers used a branch of hyssop to lift a sponge full of sour wine or wine vinegar to His lips.
The night before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). On the cross, Jesus fulfilled His Father’s will and drank the cup. For He drank the vinegar of which David prophesied centuries before, then cried out, “It is finished,” and gave up His spirit (John 19:30).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are amazed at the love and obedience of Jesus. For He drank the cup meant for sinners. He took our death that we might receive His eternal life. Help us to always love and obey You as we abide in Jesus and He in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.