If you believe at all in coincidence, then it’s certainly possible for someone to come along in history whose life coincides (thus the word “coincidence”) with some Old Testament writings. But when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ, there are over 300 prophecies, EVERY SINGLE ONE of which He fulfilled! This is only possible because of Who He Is, our God and our Creator, Who Wrote the Book!
Today we look at Psalm 22:18: “They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing” (HCSB).
All four Gospels record the soldiers gambling for Jesus’ clothing. John, the beloved disciple, gives the most detailed account: “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes and divided them into four parts, a part for each soldier. They also took the tunic, which was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let’s not tear it, but toss for it, to see who gets it.’ [They did this] to fulfill the scripture that says: ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.’ And this is what the soldiers did” (John 19:23-24).
Why do you think John gave the most information? Because he was there. Standing and watching her precious child suffer such agony, the Bible records that Mary was comforted by several women and “the disciple [Jesus] loved,” John.
And John’s account continues: “When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, ‘ Woman, here is your son.’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27).
There’s so much rich truth in this passage. The Bible tells us that Jesus had brothers and sisters – actually half-brothers and half-sisters – who were the children of His mother Mary and her husband Joseph (see Mark 3:32). Yet none of these were given the honor and privilege of caring for their mother.
Which brings up another subject. Where was Joseph? Every indication is that Mary was widowed by the time Jesus went to the cross. Traditionally – and well it should be – it was the responsibility of her children that one of them should take her into his home and care for her. But her Firstborn appointed that responsibility to another, to John the Beloved.
Why? We can only speculate, but I believe there were several important reasons: (1) to show John the confidence and trust He had in him; (2) to reward John for his faithfulness in being with Him all the way to the cross; (Please read John 18:15. In the courtyard of the high priest as Peter denied Christ, there was “another disciple” present, John.); and (3) to show the strength of John’s family tie through his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s just think about that third reason for a minute. How many of you will be honest enough to say that you have brothers and sisters in Christ with whom you feel more connected than with your own flesh and blood family? Spirit draws Spirit, and the Holy Spirit unites all believers as brothers and sisters, as joint-heirs, and as missionaries of the Kingdom.
I want you to think of John caring for Jesus’ mother. This is a picture of our responsibility, too. We are to go above and beyond what is “normal,” above and beyond what sometimes even makes sense to those around us, in caring for and meeting the needs of our fellow believers – they are our family. And we are to continue to invite more people to come into the fold. John’s work didn’t stop at caring for Mary – it continued in the faithful spreading of the Gospel.
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