How Jesus died

I enjoyed Dr. David A. Ball’s article concerning how Jesus probably died (front page, April 17 issue). His conclusion was death by “ruptured” heart and not by suffocation, as commonly assumed. As a board certified veterinary pathologist, I have never seen a “ruptured” heart. Perhaps a more likely diagnosis would be congestive heart failure, a common cardiac condition. The heart muscle degenerates, becomes weak and is an inefficient pump, thus congestion. Fluid (from the blood) diffuses into body tissues and cavities, such as the thoracic, abdominal and pericardial cavities. In the case with Jesus, the fluid was mixed with blood (red blood cells). This condition is further seen in Luke 22:44. His sweat was like great drops of blood. Red blood cells were mixed with fluid (sweat) causing it to appear red. A small amount of blood can cause clear fluid to be red, hence blood and water poured from His side. 

The red sweat issue was many hours before Jesus’ crucifixion and death. He still had to be arrested and tried. Interestingly this proves that Jesus was all human and all God. Because no ordinary human could have survived such an extensive circulatory disorder. However, Jesus did because His appointed time had not come yet. A man with congestive heart failure would normally die before the red blood cell issue became apparent. Glory, what a wonderful Savior we have. The question of how Jesus died is dwarfed by the question of why He died for us.

Lynn A. Hanrahan
Jasper, Ala.