Every Easter we observe people sporting new clothes. It’s been a long-standing tradition to wear something new for Easter. In days gone bye, Easter was the first time in the new year that white shoes could fashionably be worn. Women often wore white gloves and spring hats. Putting forth your best fashion effort on Easter is both a fashion statement and a faith statement. Because Jesus is risen all things are made new. You have probably never thought about fashion being found in Scripture. However, Scripture makes many faith statements through fashion. In John 19:23 we learn that the Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ clothes among them and took his robe, which was seamless from top to bottom. They cast lots for the robe. It had value because of its perfect weave, but when we take a closer look, we realize that Jesus’ robe represents far more than a piece of expensive attire.

Scriptures – Is 64:6; Mt 27:50-51; Jn 14:6, 19:23-24, 20:5-7, Hb 4:14, 16

Verses – When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice for it.”… (Jn 19:23-24) Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (Hb 4:14) Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. (Mt 27:50-51) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Thought – The seamless perfection of Jesus’ robe represents his sinless perfection. He gave up heaven and his Godly rights to live as a man on earth; yet, he did not sin. He came with a clear purpose, to save us from the sin that Adam and Eve brought upon humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned, God killed an innocent animal and covered their nakedness with clothing made of the skin. This established the sacrificial system that was observed throughout the Old Testament. The forgiveness of sins only takes place through the shedding of blood. Jesus’ blood would be shed to bring about a new day and a new way for forgiveness and righteousness. Jesus’ robe also represents his position. Scripture tells us that Jesus is our High Priest. The High Priests were God-instructed to wear certain garments in the carrying out of their religious duties. Their robes were seamless. Once a year the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (the inner room of the Temple where God dwelt). A huge curtain or veil separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. The priest (under strict guidelines) entered to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. When Jesus was on trial, the High Priest Caiaphas wanted rid of Jesus. He pressed Jesus to claim that he was the Messiah. In abhorrence at Jesus’ affirmation, Caiaphas tore his robe, an act that was unthinkable, because the robe represented his righteousness. Caiaphas didn’t realize that tearing the robe symbolized that the old way of sacrifice, the old order of High Priest, was being replaced with the new. He was locking eyes with the new High Priest. At Jesus’ last breath on the cross, he said, “It is finished.” In that moment the veil/curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom. No longer was there a barrier between God and man. Now, because of Jesus, every person could have access to God. Jesus’ robe symbolizes the righteousness we can have because of his death on the cross. When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, he gives us the robe of righteousness.

Questions – Share about your Easter experience as a child? Did you get new clothes? How concerned are you about your clothing fashion? What recent fashion offense have you observed? What judgment do you make about a person’s character and values based on their clothing? What judgment would a person make about you based on your clothing? Do you wear the same spiritual attire at home, at work and with fellow Christians, or do you change? How does the spiritual clothing of others offend or inspire you?

Response – Ask a trusted Christian friend if you are spiritually sporting the Designer’s fashion. What do you need to do?

Prayer – Father, thank you for the robe of righteousness that Jesus made possible so that I can approach your throne with confidence. Thank you for destroying the power of sin in my life. Help me to never be ashamed to show the world that I belong to you. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.