So Near, Yet So Far
God inspired Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to record the life of Jesus. Each of the gospel writers wrote accurately about the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Each author, however, often offers a special or unique view of what happened. At other times, they all record the same event with the same details. One of the events that they all speak about is the crucifixion of Jesus. This should not surprise us. This was the mission of Jesus. It is why God put on flesh and became the “God-Man," Jesus.
What strikes me as unusual in this story is the sub-story about the Roman soldiers gambling at the feet of Jesus. Again, all four Gospels record this event. Three of the gospel writers give it a quick mention. Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe the event in one verse (and a short verse at that). John’s account reads this way, "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 that said, 'They divided my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.' So this is what the soldiers did.” (John 19:23-24 NIV) Imagine the scene. The soldiers are huddled in a circle; their eyes cast downward. The criminal above them is forgotten. They are gambling for some used clothing. The tunic, the cloak, and the sandals are all up for grabs. Each soldier lays his luck on the hard earth, hoping to expand his wardrobe (or bank account if the item is later sold) at the expense of this crucified carpenter.
I wonder what this scene must have looked like to Jesus. As He looked downward, past His bloody feet, at the circle of gamblers, what did He think? What emotions must He have felt? As I read the account, I am amazed. Here were common soldiers witnessing the most uncommon event, and they didn’t even know it. As far as they were concerned, this was just another Friday morning as they served on the “execution detail.” For them, it was simply another job. They most likely kept their heads ducked down, their eyes focused on their potential “winnings,” and the redeeming message of the cross was missed. The symbolism is striking. I’m thinking of us. I’m thinking that many times we are not so unlike these oblivious soldiers. We, too, play games at the foot of the cross (so to speak). We scramble for status. We deal out judgments and condemnations. We are seduced into petty games of competition with others. We easily allow ourselves to be selfish. We often are simply after personal gain. The list goes on. So close to the timber, near to the cross, yet so far from the blood of Jesus!
It is easy to get busy as this world gets crazy. This is no accident. Yes, we live in a sinful, fallen, and broken world. But the problem I am referring to is more sinister. Our prime enemy, Satan, knows where we are weakest. He knows what easily distracts us. Satan broadcasts his damning lies all day, every day. All are designed to deceive us. The result of this is that we often miss the message that God wants to share with us. We are greatly loved by our great God. He calls us, but often we are not listening. Too often, we are listening to the wrong thing. The similarity between the soldier’s game and our game is scary. What did Jesus think then? What does Jesus think today? Sadly, dice are still being thrown at the foot of the cross. We must lift our eyes and focus on Jesus. Keep looking up!