I want that robe!

Roman soldiers assigned the gruesome task of executing a prisoner by crucifixion were given a small bonus. Since one was crucified naked, the soldiers were able to take the clothes of the prisoner and do with them as they pleased. The Gospel of John records , "[T]he soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, "'Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.'" (John 19:23-24) One lucky--or so he regarded himself--soldier walked away from the cross that evening carrying the garment, likely woven by Mary, that had been worn next to the skin of Jesus. I figure he thought he could make use of it, or sell it for a few shekels.
Of course in centuries to come The Robe became one of the most important relics in Christendom. Some claim that this garment can be found in Trier Germany, a gift from Helena, mother of Constantine. Others claim that the robe, or at least four pieces of it are located in the Cathedral in Argenteuil, France. Still others claim that fragments of one of the garments Jesus wore before His crucifixion can found in Moscow, and St. Petersburg, Russia, Mtskheta, Georgia, and Kiev Ukraine. (more info.)

If the fragment of cloth in St. Sophia in Kiev is authentic then I was once within a hundred feet, or so, of something that the Lord wore. As I remember, when I was there, I wasn't aware that the relic resided on the other side of the wall.

In the Gospel accounts of the day the Lord was crucified there is an interesting juxtaposition of events. Luke 23:34 records, "Jesus was saying, 'Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.' And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves." A gift of infinite value was being bestowed on them, and these soldiers were concerned with a few pieces of second-hand clothing. Today the seamless garment of Jesus would be worth hundreds-of-millions of dollars. That day it was just a shirt, too nice to tear up, but nothing extraordinary. But that was the focus of these practical, down-to-earth soldiers. The Savior of the world, the God-man, Jesus Christ was dying for the sin of the world, and four guys were there at the foot of the cross gambling over a shirt. How typical of human nature.

Tomorrow we have a special opportunity to be reminded of this great event of history, but many of us will, like these Soldiers of Rome, be so occupied with the mundane that we won't pay attention to the sublime. At least one of those soldiers, later on that day, came to see that something special was happening. I hope you will take the see beyond the here and now, as well.

At Covington Bible Church we'll be looking at what happened that day. It will be a solemn time of Scripture reading, prayer, contemplation, music, and reflection. Join us at 7:00 PM, Good Friday.

It's STTA.