“And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots. Then they sat down and kept watch over Him there.” (Matthew 27:35-36 ESV)The soldiers were keeping watch over Jesus as He hung there on the cross. That was their job; and though it was highly unlikely that anyone would come and try to take Him down by force, still they watched.
Jesus, too, was watching.
What did He see? A group of soldiers gambling for His clothes at the foot of His cross; several women, including His mother, watching Him and weeping; two men dying on either side of Him. He saw His enemies passing by and laughing at Him. He doubtless saw a lot of plain, ordinary people too who didn’t understand at all what was going on as they passed by.
All of these were people God created, people God had given into His care.
And so He watched. I’m sure He prayed. And body and soul, He suffered for our sake—a watchman over us sinners, who needed Him so much.
We Pray: You suffered, died, and rose for us, dear Lord. Help me now to live for You—and for Your people. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* When is the last time you “kept watch” over something or someone, big or small?
* Who or what do you feel protective about—enough to stand watch over them, if necessary?
* What does it mean to you, to know Jesus watches over you?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on April 2, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights
