Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots on them, what every man should take. The intention of the soldiers was humane. Crucifixion was so lingering and painful that it was customary thus to deaden the consciousness of the criminal. I. WHAT WAS THE SAVIOUR'S CONDITION AT THAT MOMENT? Intense anguish of soul combined with physical suffering. Christ's nature was peculiarly sensitive. The sorrow at Gethsemane had already weakened Him. Now His sorrow had reached its height. II. WHY DID HE REFUSE THE PROFFERED RELIEF? Not to awaken men's admiration. Not to awaken men's sympathy. 1. Because His sufferings were by Divine appointment; not simply accidental. He would not escape the full force of the penalty which He had undertaken to endure. 2. Because He was unwilling to die without a full consciousness of the conquest which He was achieving over sin and death. III. WHAT ENABLED HIM TO DISPENSE WITH THIS STUPEFYING DRAUGHT? It was the direct result of His self-surrender to the Father. He who gives up will, purpose, life, into the hands of God, may expect that God will be all in all to him. IV. WHAT LESSON DOES HIS REFUSAL TEACH US? 1. His true nobility. 2. Our own duty under trial. "The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?" It is our privilege to accept the Saviour's love. He suffered, died, arose, ascended to Heaven, and pleads now for us. (Seeds and Saplings.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.WEB: Crucifying him, they parted his garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take. |
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