23. When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24. "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." So this is what the soldiers did.
Wm. Barclay in his commentary tells us the Jews typically wore five articles of clothing- the shoes, turban, girdle, tunic and robe. The fact the robe was gambled for was significant in that it was predicted over 1,000 years earlier in Ps 22:14-18. The soldiers did this that Scriptures might be fulfilled.
John MacArthur makes an interesting point about this robe being seamless. Why does God choose to put that in the Bible? It isn’t just for a fashion statement. It is not some special interest in the quality of the tunic, but that this was the specifications for the clothing of the high priest. He was to wear special clothing including a garment without seam.
As we read and understand numerous prophetic fulfillments and types, which are the pictures that point to Christ, according to one source 322 distinct prophecies are fulfilled in Christ. .Here Jesus is portrayed as the High Priest, representing God to man and man to God. The priest was the go between who offers sacrifices on behalf of the people and makes sacrifices to God. Jesus’ robe is a picture of the garment of the high priest according to MacArthur that not only ties Him in with that Old. Testament figure, but even more importantly are details mentioned years before Christ came.
This is important because it shows that no sinful man will violate the plan of God. God worked through Caiaphas, through Pilate, through Judas and through the soldiers who were to kill Him.
Some liberals try to explain away the prophecies. They will say that Jesus read a number of prophecies and tried to follow them. How silly! I suppose those pagan Roman soldiers decided to read Psalm 22 that morning and thought, “Oh, I wonder if this isn’t what we are supposed to do this afternoon. Be sure to bring along your dice, Flavious.”
Pilate, the soldiers, the men of execution and the place had nothing to do with what anything men could concoct. God knew and so they became His tools to carry out His plan. God also works through holy men as well. Which are you? Sin does not thwart God’s plan. God can use you one way or the other. He will carry out His will.
Be mindful that Jesus’ sacrifice was for sin and for sinners. We can be freed and in our freedom be victorious.
How could Jesus say of His executioners, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing?” or to the dying thief “Today you will be with me in Paradise”, because He had paid the price and is now the mediator between God and man.
The robe points to Jesus’ sacrificial love as our High Priest representing us before God.
Application: Today we can meditate on the fact that as believers, we are robed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He is our great High Priest forever interceding before the Father for us. How great is the Father's love for me......
Prayer: Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me. Jesus, the endless praise to Thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me, For me a full atonement made,
An everlasting ransom paid.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice;
Now bid Thy banished ones rejoice; Their beauty this, their glorious dress,
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness.
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