Reading the Word

John 19:23–27 (ESV)

23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

“They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”

So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

Understanding and Applying the Word

As Jesus was dying on the cross, the Roman soldiers were dividing his clothing. The soldiers cast lots to determine who would receive Jesus’ tunic. In doing so, the soldiers fulfilled a prophecy recorded in Psalm 22:18:

“…they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.”

We are also told that a few of Jesus’ followers were present at the cross. Among those present were Jesus’ mother and “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, which was a way of referring to John. As Jesus hung there in great pain, he was still focused on providing for others. He made sure to arrange for the care of his mother after his death by giving the responsibility to John, who willingly accepted.

Reading of Jesus’ concern for his mother reminds us of the reality of this event. A mother was watching as her innocent son was executed as a criminal. A son was leaving behind his mother and he wanted to make sure she was taken care of. We also get another glimpse of Jesus’ resolve to fulfill his mission as the Savior of mankind. As he hung on the cross, his first concern was not for himself, but for the welfare of others. He went to the cross specifically for that purpose. He went to save us and give us life. He gave himself for us. Even in his death he put others first.

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