HOPING TO MAKE A BUCK

I have read the terrifying crucifixion story many times in the gospels. One little piece of the story recently popped out to me:

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice (cast lots) for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.” So that is what they did.” (John 19:23-24)

Another version says: “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This fulfilled Psalms 22:18 the Scripture that prophesied this would happen. So why would these everyday soldiers on crucifixion duty want the clothes of some common criminal? Perhaps it was because they were thinking they might be able to make a buck off of this relic. They rolled dice for it so they wouldn’t have to tear it, making it worthless. Maybe they were thinking they could peddle this garment for a few bucks to the wild crowd of followers of this crazy criminal. Maybe they could convince somebody to buy it thinking that if they touched the hem of it they might get healed. Or, just peddle it as a souvenir of a failed radical messiah.

Through the shame and nakedness of the cross Jesus took away our shame and sin.

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.” Jesus