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

Saturday, December 1, 2018

After the soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross, they took his clothes. They divided his clothes into four parts. Each soldier got one part. They also took his tunic. It was all one piece of cloth woven from top to bottom. So the soldiers said to each other, "We should not tear this into parts {to divide it}. We should choose lots to see who will get it." This happened so that it would be like the Scripture said: "They divided my clothes among them. And they threw lots for my clothing." So the soldiers did this.
— John 19:23-24 NLT
Illustration of John 19:23-24 NLT — "We should not tear this into parts {to divide it}. We should choose lots to see who will get it." —— "They divided my clothes among them. And they threw lots for my clothing."

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 to put another man to death even though he did amazing things. Some gambled that Jesus was just another Jewish criminal being executed, never imagining they were putting nails in 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. If Jesus is the Son of God, then everything is completely different ... new ... clean ... holy!

Today's Prayer

I am simply amazed and stunned at your bold "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 dare I say it, 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

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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