Bible Thoughts

May 31, 1998

"And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots; and they sat and watched him there"(Matthew 27:35-36).

The cruelties of men are evident in the death of Jesus Christ. From the floggings to the bitter gall to the mockery, they was nothing pleasant about the crucifixion. From the leaders of the Jews to the leaders of the Romans to the soldiers to the masses who passed by, there was no tenderness, no feelings, and no sorrow for the death of an innocent man. The greediness of mankind was seen in the casting of lots by the soldiers for Christ's garments. And the indifference by these soldiers to his death is demonstrated by "they sat and watched him there."

Jesus was not a murderer, a thief, a common criminal or a rebel. He spoke only kindness, shared with others, blessed those who followed him, and even told his followers to "render therefore unto Caesar what is Caesar's"(Matthew 22:21). He was not crucified because he was a common criminal, worthy of death. Jesus died for our sins and the sins of every person from Adam to the end of this world. And they "sat and watched him."

What do you suppose could have been in the minds of those who were watching the Lord as he died? Was it pleasure that caused them to gaze upon a suffering man? Was it curiosity as to what would happen next? Was it satisfaction they had fulfilled their role as soldiers and now saw the results of what they were involved with? Did they think that his disciples might come in force to try to stop the crucifixion and give them an opportunity to fight? A simple statement that may well hide the motives of these soldiers.

As they watched him, they were viewing the death of the Son of God. They did not understand, at this point, that he was dying for them. All they saw was a troublesome Jew that had stirred up the multitudes that had shouted, "Crucify him, crucify him." After all, they had their orders and, being loyal to their superiors, carried out a sentence imposed by higher authorities. As they watched him, it may have seemed an everyday occurrence in a country they had conquered and now ruled.

The soldiers were not alone in viewing the crucifixion of Christ. Those who passed by looked upon God's Son and "railed at him, wagging their heads." In mock derision, they challenged him to "come down from the cross"(Matthew 27:40), questioning his claim to be God's Son. The leaders of the Jews(responsible for his death sentence), mocked him, saying, "He saved others; himself he cannot save"(Matthew 27:42). The depraved nature of some men was noted in the robbers casting "upon him the same reproach." Did Jesus have no one who cared that not only did they crucify a guiltless man, they put to death God's Son? Who was sitting by who should have, and could have, helped?

Before we become too incensed at what thesecrucifiers(from Pilate to the lowest ranking soldier) did, have we ever been guilty of sitting and watching when we should have been up and doing what is needful in the service of God?

As the soldiers watched, the veil of the temple was rent and there was an earthquake. The Centurion, and the soldiers with him, declared, "Truly this was the Son of God"(Matthew 27:54). Now too late to save his life, but not too late for them to be saved by his death.

What would have been your feelings, your words, and your reactions to what was happening if you had been sitting and watching Jesus as he hung on the cross? Would you have cared enough to try to stop his death? Or, felt extreme sorrow at the death of this innocent man? Or, remembered all of the things he did upon the earth? Or, believe the promises that he made to those who follow him?

The death of Christ is remembered by the Lord's people in the supper Jesus instituted while upon the earth. The resurrection is also reflected upon by Christians. An anticipation of the Lord's coming is felt in this fitting memorial. The feast is designed to be observed each first day of the week. We gain strength by being present with the Lord's people as we think on the great sacrifice made almost 2000 years ago. He died for each of us; let each of use be faithful in remembering his death, burial, and resurrection. Do not be one who sits by and watches, but one who remembers and lives for the Lord's return. (Note: The idea for this article came from the reading of these scriptures by brother Jeff Kimbrough before the Lord's Supper on May 24, 1998).