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Why Did Jesus Refuse to Drink Wine During His Crucifixion?

Learn about the deeper meaning of the wine offered to Jesus on the cross. Why did he refuse the first time and accept the second? What is the deeper meaning?

By Daniel Goodman

Updated November 27, 2024.

In the Gospel of Mark, we see that Jesus was offered wine twice while he was on the cross. The wine offered to him was sour and mixed with gall, both symbolic of different things. The first time he refused, and the second time he drank it. Let's find out why.
Why Was Jesus Given Wine Mixed With Gall?Gall refers to a substance made from Myrrh, which was mixed into the wine offered to Jesus the first time. Jesus tasted it and realized that this concoction was designed to dull his senses and ease some of the pain from his crucifixion. Aside from that, the combination is narcotic, which could have been given to him in an attempt to end his life and suffering sooner.
The second wine was offered to him in a sponge, and the wine was sour. Sour wine in Roman times was used as a refreshing way to quench their thirst. It is presumed that the bystander who offered him this sour wine did so to extend the time he was awake and thus his suffering.
Why Jesus First Refused the Wine at the CrossJesus refused to drink the wine that was intended to relieve his suffering as he wanted to experience the entirety of the punishment set out for him. He was crucified to atone for the sins of man and felt it would be unjust not to bear it in full.
Why Jesus Finally Drank the WineThe wine that Jesus did drink was the one intended to keep him awake and prolong his suffering. His suffering was done so that we could have redemption. He wanted to experience it in full so that the world could have a relationship with God.
He took a sip at the end of the crucifixion as he wanted to exclaim that the punishment was finished, but his lips and throat were too parched to do so. Once his crucifixion was finished, he was resurrected three days later to continue his purpose.