Case for Christ Devotional

Did Jesus Really Die On the Cross?

Today's reading: Ephesians 2:15-16

Since Jesus’ death is central to the Christian message, is there any way — any possible way — that he could have survived the crucifixion?

“Absolutely not,” replies Dr. Alexander Metherell, who is both a medical doctor and a crucifixion expert.

“Remember that due to his flogging he was already in hypovolemic shock from the massive blood loss even before the crucifixion started. He couldn’t possibly have faked his death, because you can’t fake the inability to breathe for long. [Crucifixion is essentially an agonizingly slow death by suffocation due to the stresses that are put on the victim’s chest muscles and hence his ability to breathe.] Besides, the spear thrust into his heart [see John 19:34] would have settled the issue once and for all. And the Roman soldiers weren’t about to risk their own death by allowing him to walk away alive. It’s impossible that Jesus merely swooned on the cross. It’s a fanciful theory without any possible basis in fact.”

— Adapted from interview with Dr. Alexander Metherell