The Gospel of John Lesson 85 (08-24-14) John 19:19-24

The Gospel of John Lesson 85 (08-24-14)

Lesson 85 – John 19:19-24

(Just as a side to this study, as you can see there has been quite a pause or gap in these studies time wise. I felt led to inform you, if you have been following this blog, of the reason for the delay in posting. On August 29, 2014, after many months of progressing symptoms and episodes of health difficulties that eluded routine and conventional testing, a CT scan revealed the problem of stage IV cancer in several places. I was told that my condition was terminal, however, I am currently under treatment and with much prayer support I appear to be making progress. God be Praised in whatever the outcome! After several months of prayers and treatment I am able at this time to resume this study. Praise be to God for His goodness! I covet your prayers concerning this situation.)

So, Jesus was crucified between two thieves, numbered with sinners. In v. 19 Pilate had written a title and had it placed on the top of Jesus’ cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews’. He does this not out of pity or respect for Jesus, or even because of what He believes about Jesus. His motivation in doing this is really meant as a slam directed at the Jews for giving him so much trouble. He knew that Jesus had made the claim that He was their king, and maybe in the back of his mind he wondered about this as a possibility after his conversations with Him, however, he really did not put much faith or stock in it.

He did know, however, that the Jewish leaders definitely did not affirm this belief and that it was a rather large point of contention between them and Jesus, and, His followers. In placing this inscription on the Cross above Jesus he knew that it would more than annoy them. Pilate at this time still held a fresh grudge against the Jews for backing him into a corner concerning Jesus’ crucifixion. In doing this he knew at least that he would have the satisfaction of getting back at them. Knowing that Jesus was crucified in a very public place where all would see, he wrote the inscription in all three common languages being understood by all who would pass, including and especially the Jews.

In v. 21 we see that Pilate had accomplished what he had in mind. The Jews not being annoyed but angry return to Pilate and ask him, with emotion, to change what he had written. But Pilate knowing that he had his moment refuses and sends them away. Revenge, even in a small amount to him was to be savored.

In v. 23 they, the soldiers, part Jesus’ clothing. It amazes me that they would even consider dividing and keeping His cloths. He had been beat and bruised and bloodied. Much of His clothing would have been stained with blood.

But clothing was worth something in that day and era. Often cloths were meant to last being made to last for years if not for one’s life. Often in a lifetime one would have one of something including certain articles of cloths and they was meant to last. Some things including cloths were passed down to the next generation or at least possibly the next of kin. In our affluent world it is hard to identify with the reality that they had to deal with that was a part and perspective of everyday life.

So they part Jesus’ clothing among four soldiers. It is too bad that they did not realize that someday this clothing would have been invaluable and worth much. Maybe they could have at least really profited by selling them and maybe, just maybe, they would have considered Him as someone to listen to and think about, possibly believing on Him as the Savior. However, they saw no value in Jesus’ clothing except for its immediate purpose and value. They parted His cloths dividing them by four.

However, when they came to His robe they were forced to pause and consider what to do. His robe was the prized piece of the lot. To them it was the most valuable. It had no seam being made of one piece; therefore, tearing the robe in any fashion would ruin it making it worthless.

However, every soldier knowing its value wanted it, or at least to have received the worth of its value in currency. So, being soldiers they chose the most natural means to them of settling the situation and chose to pretty much gamble for it casting lot.

Casting lots in the Bible was not always used as a form of gambling, but in this instance it was. So, in casting lots one got the prize. However, what they did not realize was that in doing so they were fulfilling God's prophesy found in Psalms chapter 22 verse 18 where it said, “They part my garments among them, and casts lots upon my vesture.” If only they would have known what was really happening, that in doing what they did they were performing the will of God, maybe they would have considered Jesus and His claims.