Respect for the Clothes, not for the Christ
Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 1 2024 | John 19:23-24
KEY VERSE:
” 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." John 19:24 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
I have often heard people talk of their love or other people’s love for “the things of God.” When I hear such statements, I am magnanimous to tell myself that they mean their love for God rather than for the things of God. But it may well be that we really love the things of God rather than love God.
The soldiers have had a field day showing disregard and disrespect to the Man from Nazareth, the God-man, the creator of the universe in human form, and contrary to the justice system and the consciences of the Jewish religious leaders and of Governor Pilate they have flogged Him, spat upon Him, and crucified Him. And now they divide His clothes among themselves, with Him hanging naked on the cross. And in the dividing of His clothes, they show more respect to His undergarment, because “This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.” John 19:23 (NIV).
The soldiers did not have a problem tearing the back of the sinless Son of God with their whips, they did not have any shame in piecing His feelings with their insults, they did not see anything wrong with slapping Him and spitting in His face, but they found everything wrong with preserving His undergarment intact. More respect for the clothes than for the Christ.
Do we not treat God in similar ways; when we are not conscious of our evil which insults His sovereign holiness, but are concerned with the loss of our position and title associated with His Church if we are exposed? Do we not care more about our programmes, positions and power in the church, answers to our prayers rather than pleasing God, and walking humbly and in holiness to please Him?
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you love God, or do you love the things of God?
PRAYER:
Lord, it hurts to face myself and to see that I have loved things associated with Your Name without seeking to know You and following You. Please forgive me, and give me a heart that places you first, over and above all other loves. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: CLOTHING
The Greek word for “clothing” here is himatia (ἱμάτια), commonly used for outer garments. In biblical contexts, himatia emphasizes the external coverings or adornments that individuals wear, often symbolic of one’s social status or identity.
From our key verse, we realize that apart from the himatia (clothing) which the soldiers divided among themselves, they also cast a lot for his seamless garment (himation). While clothing generally refers to attire that covers and represents outward appearance, a garment here implies a single, seamless piece of high value. The actions of the soldiers reveal how they prioritise material value over spiritual significance. We should know that true reverence for Christ means valuing Him above all and allowing our relationship with Him to surpass our attachment to religious symbols or status.
Reflections:
Are you valuing Christ Himself or merely what comes with Him? How can you redirect your love to place Christ above all other attachments?
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