How does John 19:24 fulfill the prophecy in Psalm 22:18? Psalm 22:18 – The Prophecy Foretold “They divide My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.” John 19:24 – History Meets Prophecy “So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be.’ This happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: ‘They divided My garments among them, and cast lots for My clothing.’ So the soldiers did these things.” How the Two Passages Line Up • Same action: Division of garments. • Same method: Casting lots to determine possession. • Same setting: Public execution of the righteous sufferer. • Same subject: The Messiah—foreshadowed by David, fulfilled in Jesus. Why the Details Matter • Precision: A 1,000-year gap did not blur the specifics—both division and the lot-casting occurred exactly as written. • Humanly improbable: Roman soldiers followed their routine, yet unwittingly carried out God’s script. • Messianic confirmation: One more puzzle piece proving Jesus is the promised Christ (Luke 24:44). • Scriptural reliability: Every word stands true—prophecy and fulfillment mesh without contradiction (2 Peter 1:19–21). • Divine sovereignty: God orchestrates even mundane soldierly actions for His redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). Supporting Gospel Witnesses • Matthew 27:35 – “When they had crucified Him, they divided His garments among them by casting lots.” • Mark 15:24 – “Dividing up His garments, they cast lots to decide what each one would take.” • Luke 23:34 – “They cast lots to divide His garments.” Takeaway Truths to Embrace • Prophecy is literal, trustworthy, and fulfilled in Christ. • God’s Word never fails, down to the smallest detail (Matthew 5:18). • The cross is not accidental; it unfolds exactly as Scripture declared, inviting us to faith and gratitude. |
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