His Inner Tunic

by Missy Grant

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded himself…” John 13:3-4.

The above scripture is a familiar part of Passion Week. Many pastors’ teach on the servanthood described in the above passage – as well they should. Yet, that which the Lord keeps calling me to are the four words, “…laid aside His garments…” I’ve been pondering the “garments” of the bible. How they are used in scripture, what is their significance, what lessons can be learned.

Christ revealed much in a simple act of removing his outer clothing, girding himself with a towel and washing the apostle’s feet. What the apostles saw though, was a man, ordinary in sight, but wearing something most weren’t – a perfect inner tunic - which when woven remained seamless. It was flawless and perfect and formed from the scriptural model used for the priests of the temple – presented to Him by his mother as he entered manhood. Why did His inner tunic have those characteristics…because He is our “great high priest” (Hebrews 4:14).

Christ was stripped when crucified and lots cast for his clothing. Actually, it was only his inner tunic that lots were cast for. There were four roman soldiers – each one took one of his five pieces of clothing – yet one piece remained, the inner tunic. What do you think Mary felt as she witnessed that piece of linen being gambled over? She knew who her son was. She knew the significance of the garment.

If the outer garment of your heart was removed – what would be revealed? Would anyone gamble over the perfection of what was left – or said another way – do those you interact with see your outer garment or your inner tunic? When Jesus removed his outer garment that night, what was once again revealed was a humble servant with royal blood who loved so deeply that He gave His life for that love.

As you contemplate His eternal victory this Easter morning – take time to bend your knee and “…delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” (Isaiah 61:10)

Amen

Giving It All Up For Me

by Debbi Weeks

Many of my friends have taken up observing Lent in recent years, but I have never participated. One friend shared with me what she learned from her Lenten observance this year—it’s much harder to give up something that you already have and enjoy than to have never had it in the first place. Although she gave up a familiar indulgence, chocolate, the act of giving up something she regularly enjoyed caused her to think more about her own family situation as they are struggling with their finances in these economic times. At one time, money was not an issue in her household, but now they are suffering from financial loss of income and hardship. She said it’s more difficult to lose it than to have never had it. This led her to consider the fact that Jesus had it all before His incarnation. She came to a greater understanding of the sacrifice He made in coming to earth knowing the glories of heaven and yet willingly forsaking it all and giving Himself.

When she shared her new deeper understanding with me I was reminded of

Philippians 2:5-8 which says, “Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” (The Message)

He gave it all for me. And He did it for me, a sin-sick woman. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Oh praise Him for His great sacrifice for me!

Father God I praise You that You are sovereign with an eternal plan.

Please forgive me when I take your great sacrifice for granted.

Thank You that You had it all, yet You gave it all – for me.

Please remind me anew during this Passion week of Your love for me and the demonstration of that love through all that You gave up to come to earth to live and die – and praise You that it didn’t end there. I praise You for Your resurrection!

In Christ’s Name, Amen.