Jesus Stripped & Naked for Sinners

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“When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes.”  

John 19:23

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As kids headed back to school they probably picked that perfect “first day” outfit.  They had to have that “drip,” as they say.  

But that new shirt and shoes are more than a good first impression.  They are graces; testimonies of the Lord’s mercy.

This is what we should remember every time we pull on that cozy, warm hoodie.  Had it not been for the goodness and kindness of God, we would not have the shirt on our back.  We would not have our favorite pair of jeans or even a closet in which to put them.

We would be naked; utterly and completely exposed.

Even the socks with holes in the toe would be too much material for us.  If God were just, he would strip us of every single thread.  

God’s grace has always been expressed in clothing.  After Adam fell into sin, the first thing that the Lord did was provide a covering for him.  In order to relieve the incredible shame of his nakedness (something his make-shift leaf could not do), the Lord made a garment of animal skin.  It would be an enduring, definite testimony to the fact that Adam did not get what he deserved.  

When the Israelites wondered in the desert for 40 years, neither their sandals nor their clothes wore out.  It was a prominent expression of the particular favor God showed his people.

In contrast, nakedness was a sign of God’s judgment.  Isaiah the prophet walked around naked as a sign of the coming wrath on Egypt.  The people of that wicked nation were subsequently carried away by Assyria “with their buttocks bared.” (Is. 20:3)  

Babylon would have their “nakedness exposed” when they were overthrown.  

For their unfaithfulness Israel would be humiliated by their enemies, “serving them in nakedness.” (Deut 28:48)

It is no wonder that Christ, when he goes to the cross, must do so without clothes.  The horrid pain of his crucifixion had to be intensified by the absolute indignity of it.  

Without tunic or loincloth Jesus was hoisted up before the world.  The nails which were fixed in his appendages gave him no ability to cover or cross himself.  It was utter disgrace.

In this way he atoned for the sins of his people.  He stood unclothed to stand in our place.  To bear the guilt of sinners, he himself had to be bare.  He went to hell stripped of all.

For this reason, the cross is good news for sinners like you and me.  Having endured the shame of sin’s curse, Jesus provides a dignified future for his people.  Those who receive him as Lord can be assured that they will be eternally clothed with righteousness and grace.

Then, at the resurrection, when we are raised up, the Lord will give us a white robe.  As a token of his grace we will forever live in garments which will never wear out.