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“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, 'Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,' that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: 'They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.' Therefore the soldiers did these things.” (John 19.23-24; emphasis mine, jb).

This is the final Biblical 4x4; it will be different in that it will consist of four miniseries, each of which will consist of four articles. The four miniseries will be 1) They Crucified Jesus, 2) They Took His Garments, 3) The Seamless Tunic, and 4) Fulfilled Scripture.

They Crucified Jesus (1/4)

I truly doubt that there is anything that can be written about the crucifixion of Jesus that has not already been written. Two score of centuries and thousands upon thousands of commentators have essentially exhausted all that is to be said. Yet, as an author I find a compelling need to write about this most intriguing of subjects. As a Bible student, I find a compelling need to study more of the crucifixion each time our paths cross in Holy Writ. Each time I have an opportunity to speak of the crucifixion to a friend or a stranger, I find the same compelling urge is present. Just what is there about this event that makes it take center stage regardless of all other things about us?

This miniseries will attempt to demonstrate just why this is the case. It will not consist of new material; rather, it will consist of old material, material previously known yet which begs to have its memories and emotions re-stirred much as Peter stirred up the pure minds of his fellow believers (2 Peter 3.1). Through this series we will attempt to cause the reader to “...be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us [Peter speaking], the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3.2). This being said, we begin this short verbal journey.

As a first order of business, if the Bible is to be trusted (and it is my defensible position that it is absolutely trustworthy), the crucifixion was a real historical event. The execution of Jesus Christ was an event that was orchestrated under Roman rule and according to the urgings of the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. Had Jesus not been crucified, or had this been some type of clever ruse, there were any number of interests that would have blown the whistle on any deception. The Romans had no reason to protect this man from exposure had He been a charlatan and certainly the Jews did not; in fact to the contrary, both groups would gladly have put an end to his powerful influence among the common people. Paul states that there were hundreds of witnesses that could have testified to the truthfulness of the stories concerning Jesus and His death, burial, and even His resurrection (see 1 Corinthians 15.1-8).

Secondly, we wish to introduce the fact that although Jesus was taken by the Romans and crucified, He gave Himself up to such deeds. Hear His words: “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” (John 12.27). Then again: “Then Pilate said to Him, 'Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?' Jesus answered, 'You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above...'” (John 19.10-11a).

Jesus was crucified, not because of a lack of power, but because of the overwhelming power of love!

Questions:

1. How important is it that the story of the crucifixion is true?

2. Why would some people want to deny the truthfulness of the crucifixion?

3. Could the Romans have crucified Jesus had He not allowed it?

4. Why was Jesus not intimidated by the authority of Pilate?

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

3 steps to peace...