Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read John 19:23-24

"And they divided His garments among them,
casting lots for them." (Mark 15:24)

Reflection:

In every crucifixion Rome wanted to send a
powerful warning to the nations it had conquered.
If you commit the crimes this man committed,
you will suffer the same fate. So the Romans
made crucifixion as public and shameful as
possible. They hanged the criminals along the
main roads leading into a city and they removed
their clothing before crucifying them.

If Jesus would have drank the wine mixed with
myrrh it wouldn't hurt so much, but one last time
His clothes are ripped from His tattered back as
He is stripped to be crucified. When He is hanging
from the cross the four guards assigned to watch
over Him will divide His clothes between them.
They will divide them into four piles- one for each
of them. Then they will take hold of His long tunic.
Since it is seamless, woven in one piece, they will
not be willing to tear it. Instead they will cast lots to
see who will win it. Jesus watches as they gamble
for the clothes off His back.

Shame is a word the Romans wanted associated
with crucifixion. They wanted that shame to be a
powerful deterrent to keep the peace among their
conquered nations. Jesus saw it differently. There
was no shame in fulfilling God's will or saving the
world. In Hebrews we read, "Look to Jesus, the
founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right
hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, You refused to let shame drive You
from Your mission, but humbled Yourself to save
us. Give me strength to bear whatever shame I
may face for trusting in You.
Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries Lenten Devotional)