A Lenten Devotion for Tuesday, March 25
- ontrakk
- Mar 25
- 1 min read
John 19:23
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
This is another bit of scripture I had never really taken note of. I never knew the garment which the soldiers cast lots for, was actually Jesus’ underwear: a long shirt woven in one piece, which would be very comfortable and durable. It is one thing to take Jesus’ sandals, or his belt, or his long vest. But his underwear? This is the height of indignity. Yet this is what happened. This is part of the price Jesus paid for each and every one of us.
Holy Lord, I am not worthy of this sacrifice, even on a very good day. I am thankful beyond all measure. Show me your way, Lord. I pray for guidance and direction. Amen
Becky, transforming
John 19:23
My study bible told me to read Psalm 22:18, which reads, "They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothes." This action by the guards is the fulfillment of the prophecy. Taking the clothes of the condemed was not unusual. The guards probably considered it a payment of some sort. Of course, to us it is one more form of abuse for Jesus to suffer.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me understand the many prophecies in the bible, many of which are in the Psalms. AMEN
John 19:23
I must admit that despite many explanations, including Lucado’s in today’s reading, I have never fully grasped the symbolism of Jesus’ seamless tunic. Even more so, the description of dividing it into four pieces. I don’t know if this was a common practice or if this was done because there was some (albeit warped) sense of the significance of the Man they would nail to the cross. Was this macabre souvenir collection? What became of these artifacts? Did the events of Easter bring any of these four soldiers to faith? A life of faith must make peace with mystery.
Prayer - Ther are times, Lord, that the mysteries of Your life and death leave me puzzled. As we…