The Underappreciated Suffering of Jesus – Nakedness

John 19:23-24

“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, so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.’”

Reflection:

What did Jesus wear on the cross?

Answer: …probably not what you expect.

Jews in the 1st century wore two garments – an inner tunic and an outer tunic. John tells you that, when Jesus was crucified, both of these garments were removed as soldiers played games to determine who would get Jesus’ clothing. It is almost certain that no one wrapped a loin cloth around His waste because (1) that was not a regular part of Jewish clothing and (2) the purpose of crucifixion was humiliation. The whole point of this form of execution was to make a person die slowly, painfully, and with great embarrassment. However, it is so embarrassing to even think of Jesus being naked on the cross that throughout the centuries countless artists refuse to depict Him that way (even though art is often a medium where nudity is an unusual norm). Yet it is right to appreciate the greatness of the humiliation of Jesus Christ so that you can properly appreciate all He has done for you. Jesus, for your sake, willingly hung naked on a cross by nails until He died. Jesus loved you so dearly that He was willing to be shamefully exposed to all the world while suffering the wrath of God for your sin. He did not suffer an elegant death, clothed in royal garments, and perishing quietly. That is what your sin deserved. Jesus looked at you and said, “It is worth it.”

What will you do for Him in response?

In Christ,

Pastor Yonkman