Pondering what all that means…
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,
"They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." So the soldiers did these things….
John 19:23-24 (ESV)
Imagine being a soldier assigned to crucify Jesus. No doubt you knew His reputation. Most likely, you have done this before; it's routine. You expect anger and a fight, but get cooperation and a kind look. The two on Jesus's sides gave you what you expected, but you keep waiting for Jesus to act like a criminal, but He doesn't.
You heard His claim to deity, and now you wonder if you might see a miracle. In the process, you miss the fulfillment of Scripture with the oddity of casting lots for His clothes. But then, things got strange. Jesus was always kind, the sky eventually went black, and Jesus yielded His life. Locals seem to find Him a grave, and the superiors orders it guarded. This guard observed all historical facts and either allowed them to change his perspective or ignored them.
Today we know Jesus existed, died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. We, too, can ponder what all that means, or we can ignore it. So, what will you do with Jesus? It matters!
"They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." So the soldiers did these things….
John 19:23-24 (ESV)
Imagine being a soldier assigned to crucify Jesus. No doubt you knew His reputation. Most likely, you have done this before; it's routine. You expect anger and a fight, but get cooperation and a kind look. The two on Jesus's sides gave you what you expected, but you keep waiting for Jesus to act like a criminal, but He doesn't.
You heard His claim to deity, and now you wonder if you might see a miracle. In the process, you miss the fulfillment of Scripture with the oddity of casting lots for His clothes. But then, things got strange. Jesus was always kind, the sky eventually went black, and Jesus yielded His life. Locals seem to find Him a grave, and the superiors orders it guarded. This guard observed all historical facts and either allowed them to change his perspective or ignored them.
Today we know Jesus existed, died on the cross, was buried, and rose again on the third day. We, too, can ponder what all that means, or we can ignore it. So, what will you do with Jesus? It matters!
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