Medical Myrrh

American Lung Association’s opening page says, “We caution the public against smoking marijuana because of the risks it poses to the lungs.” Yet, it is legal in several states as a medical painkiller. One of my friends in church smokes it regularly to control his unbearable migraine headaches.

Before cultures used marijuana and morphine as painkillers, Romans and Greeks used a mixture of myrrh, a sap (resin) from a tree, and wine as painkillers. Brett Freese writes,

Since ancient times the fragrant plant secretion known as myrrh has been used in incense, perfume, and even as a painkiller. Now a team of chemists and pharmacologists at the University of Florence in Italy report that two compounds of myrrh do indeed have pain-relieving properties. . . . The Greek physician Hippocrates prescribed it for sores, and the Romans used it to treat worm infestations, coughs, and certain infections. . . . It is commonly used today in mouthwash and toothpaste. (https://archive.archaeology.org/9605/newsbriefs/myrrh.html)

As Jesus hung on the cross, the soldiers offered him a mixture of myrrh and wine, which Jesus refused to drink (Mark 15:23). Although it is possible that he didn’t because he wanted to feel the intensity of his suffering, most likely he didn’t drink it because he had promised his disciples that he wouldn’t drink wine until he came in his kingdom/rule. Until he was resurrected from the dead, he couldn’t drink wine with or without mixed with myrrh.

While he refused his drink, the soldiers were busy dividing his clothes, as prophesied in a psalm (Mark 15:24; Ps 22:18). David was anointed king of Judah and Israel. Yet, he was wandering the wilderness, fearing for his life as Saul had sworn to take his life. This lament psalm starts by saying,

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from delivering me or from my anguish cries?

My God, I cried by day, you didn’t answer; I cried by night and found no rest (22:1–2)

David felt betrayed, lonely, and apart from God’s presence and voice. He recalled that God delivered his ancestors when they called for help (v. 3–5) and wondered why he – a worm – was rejected (v. 6). His enemies mocked him and hurled insults at him, saying that he trusted God to deliver him, but God didn’t (v. 7–8). David, however, didn’t waver in his trust in God; from his conception, he had trusted God (v. 9–10). Now that he was in danger with many troubles near him, bulls surrounding him, lions roaring about him, he was parched with thirst, dogs ready to eat his dead flesh, his enemies stripped him naked for death and were casting lots for his garment (v. 11–18), he needed God’s help, for God alone was his strength, who could deliver him from the sword, dogs, lions, and wild oxen (v. 19–21). When he delivered him, he would declare his name among the people and praise him, and they will proclaim to their children and their children (v. 22–31).

Just as David sang about his distress, God’s absence, and enemies leaving him naked and dividing his clothes, Jesus – David’s descendant and king – was also left naked to die with his quiet God while the enemies cast lots to decide who got his clothes. In his suffering, his enemies rejoiced.

Sufferings are common to God’s people and do not offer an excuse to distrust him. He remains faithful, even if he is silent.