The Soldiers’ Perspective
Saturday, April 17th, 2010John 19:23-24 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 which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” So this is what the soldiers did.
There were several key characters in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Pilate, his wife, Judas, Peter, John, Jesus’ mother, Mary Magdalene, Simon of Cyrene, the two thieves, and the soldiers. I would like to examine the perspective of the soldiers and the role they played.
For them, the crucifixion of Jesus was just another aspect of their jobs. Let’s observe three reasons the soldiers dismissed Jesus as just another criminal.
#1 – Familiarity – they had seen all this before. Death by crucifixion was common in the first century. These soldiers had probably performed so many crucifixions that it was methodical for them. It was no big deal. Just another day at work.
#2 – Prejudice – they were turned off by God’s people. The Romans and the Jews hated each other. The Romans looked down on Jews as inferior people. Either group couldn’t stand the other. The soldiers were so prejudiced against the people of God that they couldn’t see the Savior dying for their sins.
#3 – Distractions – they were focused on other things. The soldiers were preoccupied with who would win the garment that had been taken from Jesus. Perhaps all the uproar surrounding this so-called “King of the Jews” led to their thinking that Jesus’ robe may be worth something. Thus there at the foot of the cross they are focused on winning the piece of cloth.
Maybe like the soldiers you’ve dismissed Jesus. Maybe you’ve heard the Easter story so many times that familiarity has bred indifference. We’ve viewed and heard so much about the cross we are no longer moved by it. Or perhaps you’ve dismissed Jesus because you’ve developed a prejudice against those who claim to be His followers. Maybe the church has left such a bad taste in your mouth. The value of putting our attention on what is of first importance is that it focuses us on what really matters and keeps us from being distracted or preoccupied with what is not. Would you stop for a moment and look up at the cross? Even if you have heard the story a thousand times, even if you are turned off by Christians, even if you’ve go a lot going on in your life – would you turn your eyes upon Jesus and accept the gift of His love and forgiveness? What’s your perspective?
Praying for You,
Tim
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