According to Roman custom, a man’s executioners inherited the last effects from his body. Whatever clothing he still had at the cross was theirs to claim. And so we see the soldiers sitting below the cross, gambling for Jesus’ tunic, dividing up all He had.
I would like to draw back from that picture—to say it has nothing to do with me, that I would never behave that way. But the fact is, I am one of Jesus’ executioners, and so are you. Every human being who ever rebelled against God and needed to be rescued, forgiven, and set free from death—we are responsible for Jesus’ death. We had a hand in His execution.
And so we are inheritors—but not of clothing. No! By His own free choice, all of us who trust in Him inherit much better things. He gives us His own innocence, holiness, and purity to cover our sin. He gives us His own everlasting life in the place of death. As the Son of God, He gives us son- and daughtership in the family of God.
WE PRAY: Lord, You have made me Yours forever. Thank You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Have you ever inherited anything?
* If so, based on what relationship?
* How has our relationship with Jesus changed as a result of our inheritance?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.