Mark 15:23 They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.

What do they try to give Jesus at Golgotha?

“They tried to give Him wine…” (Mark 15:23).

•       ἐδίδουν (edidoun) 3P Imperfect Active Indicative of δἰδωμι

•    “The imperfect tense is used to indicate that an attempt was being made in the past time. The implications are that it was not brought to a successful conclusion.”

Daniel B. Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament, p. 550.

With what is the wine mixed?

“…wine mixed with myrrh…” (Mark 15:23).

•       ἐσμυρνισμένον οἶνον (esmyrnismenon oinon) 
• (“wine mixed with myrrh”)

o  “MYRRH – Heb. mor. (1) First mentioned as a principal ingredient in the holy anointing oil (Ex. 30:23). It formed part of the gifts brought by the wise men from the east, who came to worship the infant Jesus (Matt 2:11). It was used in embalming (John 19:39), also as a perfume (Esther 2:12; Ps. 45:8; Prov. 7:17). It was a custom of the Jews to give those who were condemned to death by crucifixion ‘wine mingled with myrrh’ to produce insensibility. This drugged wine was probably partaken of by the two malefactors, but when the Roman soldiers pressed it upon Jesus ‘he received it not’ (Mark 15:23). (See GALL.)”

M. G. Easton,  “MYRRH”, Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

How does Jesus respond to the wine mixed with myrrh?

“…He did not take it” (Mark 15:23).

•       οὐκ ἔλαβεν (ouk elaben) (“He did not take it”)

o  “Jesus’ refusal of the offer is not explained. It has been linked with his determination since Gethsemane to ‘drink the cup’ of suffering allotted to him in full measure, his desire to remain in possession of his senses rather than lapse into unconsciousness, or his pledge at the Passover meal not to drink wine again until he drank the new wine of the kingdom of God; any or all of these may have played a part, but Mark does not say so.”

                        R. T. France, The Gospel of Mark: a Commentary on the Greek Text, p. 643

Father,

Jesus is Your Chosen One, the Messiah. Yeshua submitted to the cross, for it was Your will that the Messiah be made perfect through suffering and to serve as the sacrificial Lamb and High Priest for Your people before returning as Conquering King to execute Your judgment and to take His rightful place as King of kings and Lord of lords. His throne is forever and ever. A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of His kingdom. He has loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore, You anoint Him with the oil of joy above His companions. Glory to You and to Jesus for revealing Your glory to the world through the death and resurrection of Christ. In Jesus we are blessed with grace upon grace. May He come quickly to bring redemption and restoration to Your people Israel.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.