The fact of the disposal of the clothes of Jesus by the soldiers is recorded by all four Gospel writers, but the account in John's Gospel is the fullest, and adds the important and interesting fact that this action of the soldiers was a fulfilment of prophecy in Psalm 22:18.

The fact that this disposal of Jesus' clothes is mentioned by all Gospel writers shows that it is important, though I myself find it difficult to make as much of it as I feel it deserves. What can we say? Before Jesus was nailed to the cross he was stripped of his clothes. He was treated with the contempt and degradation that was bestowed on all criminals for crucifixion. Again we see how completely Jesus took upon himself all the consequences of our sin, and was ready to be made sin for us, though he knew no sin, so that we might be the righteousness of God in him. Jesus was stripped of his clothes, but the consequences of his humiliation and death is that we are clothed with the perfect righteousness of Christ, and made acceptable to God. Christ withheld nothing in order that we might be saved and inherit eternal life.

The fact that this incident of the clothes being divided between the soldiers is reported is another evidence of the divine origin of the Scriptures, and further evidence of the eternal plan of God to save sinners through the sacrifice of his Son. John specially remarks that this incident was foretold in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah. Here is further assurance for all believers that the Bible is the inspired revelation of God to us, and can be believed with confidence, and that it contains the Word of life. Further the fact that this incident was foretold gives further evidence of the eternal plan of God to save sinners. It is powerfully remarkable that such minute prophecy was made concerning the life and death of Jesus. This could be nothing less than God had planned it all, and by his invincible power has and does bring it pass. What comfort and strength this brings to us in this life which is full of questions and problems. We can be sure that we are safe in the plan of God, having placed our trust in Jesus.

The other incident reported by John in these verses is the care and love Jesus showed to his mother, and indeed to John also. Even though Jesus was suffering in a way too deep to be truly understood, for his suffering were not only physical, but spiritual; yet Jesus had time to consider the pain and suffering of others.

There can be no doubt that Mary and John would be suffering tremendous grief as they watched the death of Jesus, and imagined the suffering he was enduring. Jesus cared for their pain, as he cares for the suffering of all his believing people; and though his own suffering was infinitely greater, he still had time for the suffering of his mother, and went out of his way to bring her comfort, not just for the moment but also for the future. He also provided for her so that she would be looked after when he had gone.

Jesus made sure that having lost her Son, she found in John another son to fill the gap in her life and heart. For John also, the beloved of the disciples, he provided a mother who would be with him in his grief and be a comfort to him also.

Such is the love of Jesus for his disciples. There is no love quite like it, either in quality or depth. Sometimes Satan, at the times of grief and pain we have to suffer, tries to cause us to doubt the love of Christ for us, and his continued care and attention for us. It is only too easy, when the doubts assail us, to think Jesus does not care, or has forsaken us. How untrue this is, and how derogatory this is to Jesus. This little incident should assure us that the heart of Jesus is so full of perfect love, and that to doubt him at any time is foolish, for Jesus' love for us is sure and never fluctuates or ends.