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Roman crucifixion was a long, drawn-out process that often lasted for several days. This was not the case for Jesus - "Pilate marveled that He was already dead…" Mark 15:44.

What happens on that cross?

• With weight on the wrists - the chest is stretched when the person is slumped over - able to take only shallow breaths without a full exhale - pain increases on the wrists

• Weight is transferred to the feet and the person pushed up- full exhale is possible - pain increases in the feet

• Time after time the person slumps down again - eventually exhaustion makes the transfer of weight to the feet impossible – the person can’t push up anymore and the respiratory muscles cramp and stop working – this process is sped up when the lower leg bones are broken

• There is also a slow buildup of fluid (serum) in the lungs and around the heart

We see the evidence of these effects when a Roman soldier uses his spear on Jesus - John 19:33-34 "33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out."

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