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

Tuesday, December 1, 2026

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Woman Behold Your Son
Article by Phil Ware
What can we learn about family at the cross? Phil Ware continues his series on the 7 sayings of Jesus at the cross and reminds us how Jesus values his mother, widows, and the grieving.
Thirsty
Article by Phil Ware
How can so much be caught up in one word? Phil Ware talks about how the words "I thirst" make Jesus' incarnation real.

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, December 1, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Escaping Evil, Embracing Truth' (2 Ti. 2:22-26)
"Dear Father, Help me to escape evil passions and to aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with all who call upon the Lord from a pure....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Numbers 14:11
"Strive with all diligence to keep out that monster unbelief. It so dishonours Christ, that he will withdraw his visible presence if we insult him by....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Receive the Spirit' (Jn. 20:21-23)
"Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Silencing Your Enemies' (Ps. 8:2)
"[O Lord, our Lord] You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you."

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!