Day 36 – Prophecy Fulfilled
JOHN 19:17-19, 23-24
Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified Him, and with Him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.
…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.
“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 that said, “They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” So this is what the soldiers did
(John 19:17-19, 23-24).
John draws the image of Christ’s crucifixion with clarity and detail. The accuracy of this telling verifies the Word of God. Let us marvel at the intricacy of God’s design as every facet is revealed. Imagine all the unwitting players He used to orchestrate this pathway to glorify His Son. The blood sacrifice of Jesus is the defining chronicle of God’s plan of redemption. May we always hold these proceedings with reverence.
Reflection
- In what ways do you see the intentionality of God in this setting?
- How does the crucifixion story include profiles of those who were witnesses and participants in the death of Christ?
- Why are these witnesses important?
PSALM 22:14-18
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.
Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones; people stare
and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing (Psalm 22:14-18).
King David penned these words under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 22 contains numerous clear prophetic pictures of Jesus’ crucifixion. After 1,000 years, the psalm given to Israel’s King was reenacted—with each element falling exactly into place. Amazing!
Reflection
- Can you sense the anguish of our Lord’s death in this psalm?
- Why do you think the Messiah had to suffer?
- In what ways does this scene represent the surrender of all physical possessions?
