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 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 NLT
There was a whole lot more gambling going on at the cross than just the gamble for Jesus' seamless robe. Some gambled that their understanding was correct, enough so to put another man to death even though he did amazing things and the Roman governor had declared him innocent multiple times. Some gambled that Jesus was just another Jewish criminal being executed, never imagining they were putting nails through the hands of God himself. Others gambled that their mockery was justified and had a worthy target. No one should look at the cross and then reject it without realizing the horrible gamble being made by God — that you and I would see his love demonstrated and accept his grace. If Jesus is the Son of God, then everything can be completely different ... new ... clean ... holy in us because of Jesus!
Father, I am simply amazed and stunned at your bold — dare I say it — risk of love in Jesus. We, your people, have often rejected your greatest gifts of love. How could you keep loving us so much, Father, that you would offer and risk such a costly gift? I do not understand it, but I do believe it, and I offer you my life, my love, and my all in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 19:23-24 NLT
Key Thought
There was a whole lot more gambling going on at the cross than just the gamble for Jesus' seamless robe. Some gambled that their understanding was correct, enough so to put another man to death even though he did amazing things and the Roman governor had declared him innocent multiple times. Some gambled that Jesus was just another Jewish criminal being executed, never imagining they were putting nails through the hands of God himself. Others gambled that their mockery was justified and had a worthy target. No one should look at the cross and then reject it without realizing the horrible gamble being made by God — that you and I would see his love demonstrated and accept his grace. If Jesus is the Son of God, then everything can be completely different ... new ... clean ... holy in us because of Jesus!
Today's Prayer
Father, I am simply amazed and stunned at your bold — dare I say it — risk of love in Jesus. We, your people, have often rejected your greatest gifts of love. How could you keep loving us so much, Father, that you would offer and risk such a costly gift? I do not understand it, but I do believe it, and I offer you my life, my love, and my all in Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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