Moment of Meditation: Divided Clothing (Matthew 27:35)

''And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots (Matthew 27:35).''

Trophies can take many forms. We have the traditional trophies with the brass plate detailing either an accomplishment or simply participation in an event. Trophies can be t-shirts or signed pictures from celebrities.

Trophies for Roman soldiers took darker forms. Pieces of fallen enemies' armor. For soldiers on crucifixion duty, the trophy was the condemned person's clothing. But there had to be a fair way of deciding who got the clothing. After all, they are trophies. Trophies go to the winners. At least they used to.

So the soldiers cast lots--dice--to see who would get each piece of clothing. Winner takes all. But the winners weren't winners. They were eyewitnesses of the greatest event in human history, but they were oblivious to what was really going on. They were too busy chasing trophies.

But the old hymn reminds us, "Go, spread your trophies at [Jesus'] feet and crown Him Lord of all" (LSB #549.5). In comparison to Jesus' death on the cross, our trophies are garbage. To be dumped at the foot of the cross to receive the ultimate trophy. The water of Baptism for the salvation of your soul. To have the trophy of Christ's shed blood for the forgiveness of your sin. This is the trophy we should strive for daily. Amen.