An Autopsy on the Man of the Shroud

"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53: 4-6

     Dr. Robert J. Bucklin, a forensic pathologist, used modern technology to perform an "autopsy" on the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth thought to have been that of Christ. As you read his findings, read as well the passage above from Isaiah and keep in mind: "By his wounds we are healed."

     The shroud held and adult male, 71" in length, approximately 175 pounds. He had long hair, a beard and type AB blood. There was a ring of puncture wounds on the scalp in the form of a crown, a distinct abrasion on his nose and the right cheek was swollen. A large blood stain over the right pectoral region showed a post mortem flow of two types of fluid: blood and water. This wound was made by a sharp, puncturing instrument. His arms were crossed, left over right. The wrist bore a distinct puncture injury with bloodflow indicative of outstretched arms. Of the hands, four fingers were seen, the thumb not obvious, indicative of nerve damage. The left foot had been placed over the right, both penetrated by the same object. Dorsal view showed traumatic injuries by an object used in a whip-like fashion. Abrasion across the shoulder blades caused by heavy object, such as a beam rubbing the skin.

     Dr Bucklin concluded, "From this data, it is not an unreasonable conclusion for the forensic pathologist to determine that only one person historically has undergone this sequence of events. That person is Jesus Christ."

     Our Messiah subjected himself to these crushing tortures so that the world, through him, might be saved. The next time you see a cross, remember the dear price that was paid for you out of sheer love.

     "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

     "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27