Today in church we read a scripture from John talking about the roman soldiers who had crucified Jesus, casting lots for his Tunic or garment under the foot of his cross.
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, - John 19:23-24
I've read and heard this scripture since I was a young boy. And while our Pastor was discussing this scripture in a totally different context, I had an insight into this scripture that I've not had before in reading it.
The Tunic in this culture was a form of identity. From what I know it was even part of the identification of the individual. People could recognize you from your Tunic. The passage says it was woven of one piece. Chances are this was your most expensive piece of clothing and perhaps in Jesus case might have been the most valuable of his possessions. I imagined what Christ must have been thinking as he watched these soldiers argue over his Tunic, gasping for his last breaths of air. I sat in church judging those soldiers. Didn't they know they had crucified the son of God?
But then, I wondered where in my life I've borrowed Christ's identity - even not meaning to do so. I wondered if perhaps I've taken his tunic and just tried it on and looked Christian. I wondered where I've been guilty of the same actions of the soldiers, borrowing the pieces of Jesus identity that were convenient? I can't help but wonder if maybe I've not been to different than those soldiers.
I then imagine Christ's eyes of grace looking down on me at the foot of the cross and saying it's time to not just put on his identity, but to walk with him, invite him into a place that is deeper, more real, a close walk. Not on the surface like a tunic, but at a level of understanding and peace that I can't understand.
In many ways, this trip is about moving from a tunic wearer to a Christ follower. I am humbled by the opportunity to have Christ walk and lead this journey for me and my brothers. And where he goes, I'll follow.
