Trustworthy

John 19:²⁴ “So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.”

John 19:²³ “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.” (emphasis added). Jesus was dressing well, stop dressing shabbily in the Name of Jesus. If He was wearing rags as they try to portray in the movies, His clothes will mean nothing to the soldiers. In fact, when they stripped Jesus, they put their own robes on Him, and then they took it off leaving Him stark naked. The picture we are given in the art renditions is Jesus with something like a towel around His private. But in actual fact, Jesus was stark naked. They crucified them naked and they cast lot for His garments. His clothes were worth something, you could argue that they were not exotic, but they were worth something.

How is that important? It is important because we think that we have to be shabby to be associated with God. There are a lot of Christians that think they have to be in poverty, or they have to wear tattered clothes so they can be precious and holy. If Jesus’ clothes were rags nobody will fight for them. It was customary for mothers to make seamless tunics to be presented as gifts for their sons when they are leaving home. Jesus knew this was the last day, He knew His time was up. When He looked through His wardrobe for what to wear for this occasion, Jesus chose the robe his mother made for Him. This is so huge. Jesus’ mother was so dear to Him; boys and their mothers – amazing, girls and their fathers – unbelievable.

So the next verses begin to have more meaning. John 19:²⁵ “And that is what the soldiers did. Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.” Who was John speaking about when he said, ‘his mother’s sister’? Salome. John could have said, ‘Jesus’ mother and my mum’ because Salome was John’s mother. John would typically refer to himself as the disciple that Jesus loved or the other disciple. He was trying to be humble, but he needed to let us know that he was the one.

John 19:^26-27 “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.” This is huge because Jesus had five other brothers; when Jesus was going, He did not hand His mother to His brothers James or Josephus. He did not hand His mother over to Peter, at least not at that stage. Jesus handed His mother to His friend that He trusts, is reliable, and loves His mother. John went home that day with two mothers and that explains why John had insight into things the other disciples did not know about Jesus after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus’ mother must have been telling him.

Prayer: Father, make me someone that You will be willing to commit Your precious things to, in Jesus Name. Amen!