The Righteous Garment

“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, they parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots… Matthew 27:35.”

Here those present parted his garments and not being able to part his cloak or vesture, they cast lots to see who would get this prize. His vesture was so made, it’s said, that it was without seam. It could be removed from the person who wore it but it couldn’t be parted

Jesus gave his life, for us, but no man took it. Nor could any man take his life. He laid it down willingly, for you and me. He laid aside his defenses which were formidable, as he could call and receive help from legions of angels to come to his defense any one of which could have defeated armies.

Jesus laid his cloak aside, or let them take it from him, for you and for me. As he hung there, no doubt he could see them casting lots for his garments. As Jesus paid the price for our sins, so we could have a relationship with God the Father and with Jesus, he knew that he would be home soon; the home where he could put on the Robes and Cloak of his former position and sit at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

The one that won the cloak of Jesus, I wonder what he did with that? Did he wear it around town? Did others, even but for a moment, recognize it was worn by Jesus? Did they come running to him and say, “Master, is it you?”

Did this soldier see the desire in their eyes to see Jesus? Did he wonder about such love? Did such a thing happen enough that he visited his followers and inquired about this man Jesus? Did he found out he was the Son of God? Did he accept him as Lord?

I imagine he did find Christ and wanted to return that vesture but no one was there to accept the cloak. A cloak that no doubt was expensive to make or purchase back then being without a seam. But he who had worn that cloak had paid the price already for a new garment. He who had worn that cloak had ascended on High and had paid the price at the Heavenly Tailor shop for Garments of Righteousness for you and me. This garment, when you put it on, no man can take off.

Those of us that are saved have ours; those of you without Christ seek at the local Church for such a garment. The price is already paid and he who wears this garment of Righteousness wears the Righteousness of Christ. One day, it will be your ticket to heaven. Perhaps there we’ll see that soldier who won the old vesture Jesus wore. If we do, he’ll be sporting his new Righteous Garment also.