The Sponge...

I recently heard a very interesting, tough, difficult, and yet more glorious aspect concerning the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Recently Pastor Mark Driscoll went to Israel to prepare for a 3 year sermon series on the book of Luke. He went to many of the major areas in Israel where Jesus was, and he took a film crew with them to capture these areas on film. He said he learned something new and incredibly insightful about Jesus on his trip.

At one point, in their journey, they went to an ancient restroom. In there, there were no stalls, it was basically just a room for people to go. As most people probably guessed, they didn't have toilet paper back then. So they usually used water to clean themselves after using the bathroom. But something else they also did was use a sponge to wipe off afterwards. But unfortunately, once hundreds of people starting using the same sponge, some people in turn got infections. So in order to disinfect the sponges, they would soak them in vinegar and sour wine. Does this sound familiar at all?

John 19:28-30 - "Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

Could it be that this sponge was the same sponge filled with the filth and dirt of hundreds of people's waste? It's discusting to think about, I know. But what part of the crucifixion isn't? Seemingly, in the gospels, this gesture seems to be an act of kindness on the part of the guards, but perhaps not. I don't know about the certainty of whether or not this sponge was meant for that purpose, but what if it was. That the last thing Jesus tasted was that bathroom sponge. And yet, in the midst of them shoving that into his mouth, he said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." And then right afterwards, to say, "It is finished." That the work of salvation and forgiveness had been completed in that moment.

And then I thought about my own life. How often do I shove the sponge into Jesus' mouth? How often do I mockingly reject him with my sinful ways. And yet, in such great love and mercy, he forgives me, he loves me, and he sacrifices himself for me.

Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God would die for me!