Dr. Barclay with Something to Think About - DETAILS - PART 2

DETAILS 

PART 2

Before we leave this time of year perhaps we should look at just a few more of the details surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection, for it seems there are a number that are rarely mentioned.

At the time of Christ’s death, John is reported as saying this:

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, 

and immediately blood and water came out. 

(John 19:34) 

This type of fluid indicted that Christ probably had terminal pulmonary edema and a pleural effusion. This would not be uncommon coming from injuries suffered in a situation such as was taking place. But at the same time, we also know that it is by the blood that we are saved and brought into the righteousness of Christ often represented by the white robes of revelation.

…on the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes… 

(Revelation 4:4)

…a great multitude…clothed with white robes

 (Revelation 7:9)

…These are the ones who came out of the great tribulation, 

and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

(Revelation 7:14)

So Christ’s last received injury, the spear, caused a discharge composed of the cleansing blood and associated white (or light) fluid suggestive of the resultant purity.

And after the resurrection, the tomb which Christ had occupied was not entirely empty on resurrection morning. It is true that Jesus was no longer there but there were linen cloths left behind.

and the handkerchief that had been around His head, 

not lying with the linen cloths, 

but folded together in a place by itself. 

(John 20:7)

In those days, it was customary for a Jewish man to crumple up his napkin or handkerchief when he left, for instance a table, and was finished with no intention of returning. But if that same person was only leaving for a time and meant to return, then he would fold up neatly his napkin so that it would be available on his return. This, then, was the first indication after the resurrection that Christ’s departure was not permanent but only temporary and that He would be returning someday to complete His purpose.

Just a few more little details that make the crucifixion and resurrection more meaningful and overall give us something further to think about.