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Commentary on "More Clothing Imagery"
Day 6: Thursday, June 16, 2011 - "They Parted My Garments"
OVERVIEW
Today’s lesson discusses Jesus’ final clothing, and how prophecy was fulfilled in casting lots for them (Ps. 22:18; John 19:23, 24; Matt. 27:35). The question is asked: “What prophetic significance does the Bible give to what happened there, and why is it important?”
OBSERVATIONS
The casting of lots for Jesus clothing is significant because it was foretold in the O.T. scriptures. This is just one of many prophecies pointing to the Messiah long before the fact. The total picture painted in the Old Testament gives no room for ignorance or error on the part of the Jewish leadership. The actual event of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothing underscores their blindness to what was really happening; to them it was just another day of work—executing another criminal.
There was a random sentence that seemed presumptuous. “The weight of the world’s sin falling on Him, the separation from the Father bearing down on Him, Jesus then sees these soldiers right beneath Him, dividing up His clothing and casting lots, all in the fulfillment of prophecy. This easily could have given Him extra courage to endure what he was facing on the cross.” I point this out because it just seems unnecessary, and much like the unbiblical, story-embellishing fluff that E. G. White writes. In the scheme of things, this particular event (the casting lots for His clothes) wouldn’t be a motivating factor for the Son of God. The salvation and love for all mankind, as well as obedience to the Father, is a more likely explanation behind His mission.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
He didn’t need to see them cast lots for His clothes to have His knowledge of prophecy reinforced, therefore giving Him courage; He’s God. Being fully God, He wasn’t destined to fail or sin (Job 34:10, James 1:13).
The end of today’s lesson asks: “What biblical prophecies have you found the most faith affirming, especially in times of need, especially in times when trials have tested your faith?” While we could pick and choose our favorite promises or prophecies that soothe and fit our personal needs, in reality, we need to take the Bible as a whole. The Old Testament points toward our Savior—the ushering in of the New Covenant (Jesus and grace). The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. It all points to and is about Jesus and the good news of the gospel. When we understand that the whole Bible is the inerrant Word of God, we can rest on each and every promise, every prophecy and how it all works together to help us in our relationship to our Lord and Savior (2 Tim. 3:16).
CONCLUSION
- The casting of lots for Jesus’ clothing was significant because it validated the prophecy foretold long before the event (Ps. 22:18).
- Witnessing this event from the cross didn’t give Jesus courage. He was being obedient to the Father and motivated by His love for all mankind (John 3:16). He didn’t need to see the soldiers cast lots for His clothes to have His knowledge of prophecy reinforced, therefore giving Him courage; He’s God.
- Being fully God, Jesus couldn’t have sinned or failed in His mission (Job 34:10, James 1:13).
- The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. It all points to and is about Jesus and the good news of the gospel.
- When we understand that the whole Bible is the inerrant Word of God, we can rest on each and every promise, every prophecy and how it all works together to help us in our relationship to our Lord and Savior (2 Tim. 3:16).
(Emphasis supplied in all passages.)
Copyright 2011 BibleStudiesForAdventists.com. All rights reserved. Revised June 11, 2011. This website is published by Life Assurance Ministries, Glendale, Arizona, USA, the publisher of Proclamation! Magazine. Contact email: BibleStudiesForAdventists@gmail.com.
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