Deathwatch

This week we reach the place where Jesus ultimately will die on the cross. We sit at the deathwatch, waiting for it all to end. We simply watch and pray, bearing witness to the greatest sacrifice humanity has ever seen.

The prophecy of the scene enacted at the cross is recorded in Psalm 22:18. “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” At the cross, the soldiers who carried out the crucifixion did just that. It seems a heartless act in the face of death, to gamble for the seamless garment taken from the suffering body of Christ.

Sit for a moment and consider that seamless garment. Imagine holding it in your hands. Let it become a symbol of the Christ’s wholeness and perfection. Let the garment fall over your own shoulders, fully covering your life, comforting you with compassion. Pray as Ruth did in the Old Testament, “Spread the corner of your garment over me, for you are my Redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9).

What do you want to say to the living Jesus today about this gift and covering? How does he respond?