What Jesus Did! 'The Gamble' — John 19:23-24

Thursday, December 1, 2022

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

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

  • John 5:24
  • John 14:6
  • John 20:30-31

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, December 1, 2022

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Not Surprising that Christians Are Hated'
"Don’t behave like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he kill him? He killed him because his own works were evil,..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The End Is Near' (Ph. 4:5)
"Dear Father, victorious deliverer, Everything points to the fact that we live in the last days, so let me not waste time sleeping. Salvation is..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'An Outsider's Story'
"Dear Friend, You just have to love the apostle Levi! You may know him better as Matthew since that is the name of the first gospel in your New..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 112:1
"Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands."

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:23-24 NLT — "Rather than tearing it apart, let's throw dice for it." —— "They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware 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.

More What Jesus Did!