THINK TOGETHER.
What is distress? Have you ever been in distress?
READ TOGETHER
Proverbs 31:6. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.
Yesterday we saw that this final section of proverbs includes things said to King Lemuel by his mother. Right before today’s verse, Lemuel’s mom told him to make sure he doesn’t get drunk with alcohol (strong drink) or wine. Why not? Because when you get drunk you do foolish things and forget the poor and needy. Getting drunk with strong drink is selfish, and kings should never be selfish.
In verse 6 (above), King Lemuel’s mother tells him that strong drink should be given to those who are perishing or dying. Today, if someone is very sick or in pain, the doctors will give them medicine that helps them to not feel the pain so much. Back in Old Testament times, wine would be that medicine.
Wen Jesus died on the cross for our sins he was offered two drinks. First he was offered a drink of wine mixed with something called myrrh. Just like Proverbs 31:6 says to do, the women that were at the cross tried to help Jesus feel less pain in his distress by giving him this drink. But guess what? Jesus refused to drink it.
Then, just before he died, Jesus said, “I thirst.” The Bible says that he was given something called sour wine. This was a refreshing drink that poor people would drink to quench their thirst and keep them going throughout the day. The soldiers offered this to Jesus on a sponge in order to keep him awake and suffering.
Jesus refused to drink the first wine that would take away his pain, and he chose to drink the second wine that would keep him awake and suffering longer. Why? Because Jesus didn’t want to end his distress. He embraced the pain of the cross for you and for me. Jesus would never do a single selfish thing, even on the cross. He wasn’t thinking about himself, he was always thinking about us.
Because of Jesus all our sins have been paid for by his painful cross.
With Jesus we can help take other’s pain away.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Do you know anyone in distress? How can you help take away some of their pain?
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, thank you for taking the pain I deserve on the cross. I love you. Amen.
TLICfamily 