John 19:23–27 (WEL) The soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took his clothes (his tunic, too) and made four parts, one part for each soldier. Now the tunic was seamless, woven from top to bottom. 24 So they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it but cast lots for it to see whose it will be.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my clothing.” [Psalm 22:18] So, the soldiers did these things. 25 Now Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near Jesus’ cross. 26 Then Jesus saw his mother and the disciple, whom he loved, standing there. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that hour that disciple took her into his own home.
V23 The soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took his clothes (his tunic, too) and made four parts, one part for each soldier. Now the tunic was seamless, woven from top to bottom.
The Greek word for tunic is G5509 χιτών chitōn, which means (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) “the inner garment which fitted close to the body, having armholes, and sometimes sleeves, and reaching below the knees, worn by both sexes.”
Since it was seamless, it was more valuable. Instead of tearing it in pieces, they decided to leave it intact and cast lots for it.
Casting lots involves having sticks, stones, gems, bones, etc., with one marked yes/good and the other marked no/bad. In the case of sticks, each stick had separate solutions; they were thrown, and the top one was the decision. Israel’s High Priest had the Urim and Thummim, which were in a pocket. When a decision was required, the High Priest would pray and then choose one stone representing God’s decision. Some believe one stone glowed, showing God’s decision; others believe whatever stone/gem was pulled out revealed God’s decision. The method that these Roman soldiers used is unknown. There might have been 4 sticks or 4 stones. Each was assigned to a soldier or the article itself.
V24 So they said to each other, “Let’s not tear it but cast lots for it to see whose it will be.” This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my clothing.” [Psalm 22:18] So, the soldiers did these things.
The tunic (see verse 23) was more valuable than a seamed garment.
Principle: If God foretells something, it will happen literally.
V25 Now Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene were standing near Jesus’ cross.
It is confusing to know if there were 2, 3, or 4 women present as eyewitnesses. (Zondervan King James Version Commentary, New Testament) “Although the number of women that stood by the cross is unclear (two, three, or four), it remains simplest to understand four women, two unnamed and two named. Cleophas is mentioned only here in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene appears in the crucifixion and resurrection story in all four gospels, but apart from that, one reads of her only in Luke 8:2–3.”
Women are reliable witnesses regardless of the twisted opinions of some arrogant men.
V26 Then Jesus saw his mother and the disciple, whom he loved, standing there. He said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.”
The Apostle John, the writer of this gospel, was also present. All of these were eyewitnesses to this important truth.
The Apostle John was assigned to be the designated man to help care for and protect Mary. The oldest son had this responsibility, but Jesus was going to die.
Principle: Be aware of and provide for those under your care.
V27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that hour, that disciple took her into his own home.
John began his responsibilities immediately.
Principle: Don’t waste time if God has given you a task. It might be something you read in Scripture or circumstances. Be faithful.
We learn:
- About some of Jesus’s eyewitnesses.
- About filial responsibilities and care.
- About Jesus’s actions.
- About the soldiers’ actions.
Questions:
- How would you have handled the responsibilities that Jesus assigned?
- What are you doing with the gifts God has given you?