The Robe

The soft evening breeze filtering through the door took hold of the oil lamp’s flame, like the artist with brush in hand etching eerie drawings on the plastered white walls. The evening had begun with laughter as friendships were renewed within the small band of men now seated around the table. They had known each other in various campaigns as the Roman army unleashed its power throughout the world. Goblets were maneuvered into position on the table as campaigns were relived. Attacks and counterattacks taking place within the thrust of the half empty goblets. The seriousness of it all giving way to laughter now and again when they remembered the humorous side of a battle. When Toby went into battle with the wrong helmet on unable to see most of the time, yet in such an hour gave of his best performance as a courageous soldier.

The evening like the shadows on the wall had grown long and there was an uneasy feeling now amongst the seasoned soldiers as they bent forward to listen to the strange story Marcus had to tell. The limp as he shuffled to the wooden chest to remove an article he wanted all to see, spoke of the effects of war. His right hand leaving the side of his face for a moment always conscious of the jagged scar a vivacious sword had left from the enemy across the seas. But nothing had left a mark on his life more than the encounter with the man who had once worn the robe now laid gently before them. His name was known to them all for he had created so much disturbance in Jerusalem, reaching into the ranks of the Roman army. Because of Marcus’ consignment to the house of Pilate he had often been a companion to death. There had been

The Cross Was a Familiar Sight

many accused of treason, and the cross was a familiar sight to him. The throw of the dice had eased the hour of boredom as they waited for the ritual of the crucifixion to come to an end. He had won the chatterals of many a prisoner before but they had meant little more than the few coins gained from the sale in the market place. But the robe of this man acclaimed by Pilate to be “King of the Jews” meant so much more. He could not part with it though offered more than once a goodly price. Each man unconsciously reached out and allowed his hand to move over the garment now washed clean of the dust of the crucifixion scene for their lives had also been effected by this Jesus of Nazareth.

The low mark on the wax candle spoke of the late hour and there was little interest now in past glories. Almost unknown to Marus, his friends left quietly leaving the door ajar as if inviting someone to go with them into the darkness of the night. The surge of wind finding its way through the open space moved the shadows of the past and Marcus saw again Jesus on the cross. Recalling his words, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.” The open confession of one of his men, “Truly this was the Son of God.” How could he forget the peace and unexplained tranquility of the crowd as they sat and listened to the prophet sent by God. His words would never leave him. If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me,” Such encounters steered him to the assembly of those of “the Way” to learn more of his teachings and what ever happened to this man. Closing the lid on the chest little did Marcus know then that he was to learn that there were other robes this Jesus had worn and a special one he was offering to all those who would follow in “The Way.”

The apostles would show in their scrip­tures that Zechariah had prophesied many years ago that though he would wear the filthy garment of mortality his heavenly Father would replace it with one of immortality.

“Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”

When he came forth from the tomb, Peter said, he left his grave clothes behind. No further attachment to uncleanness or death for he had been clothed anew with a robe of everlasting life. Such a raiment he wanted to share with Marcus, making this possible by the shedding of his blood as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind.

He Needed to Deny the Uniform He Was Wearing

Slowly the soldier of Rome was learning that to be eligible to wear such raiment he must be willing to deny himself of the uniform he now wore but more so, the outer garment of this life, having the attitude of blind Bartimaeus who was permitted by his men to beg for alms by the roadside. When Jesus came his way he was told, “Be of good comfort, rise: he calleth thee.” Casting away his coat, his most treasured possession, he rose and made his way to Jesus. Having received his sight he followed Jesus in the way. With his change of garment came a new way of life and a glorious future.

The challenge of the cross is for all men and women to change their allegiance to this life and put on the robe of Christ, committing themselves to the task of keeping themselves unspotted from the sins that so easily defile us. Marcus knew that Jesus was not one of the many false Messiahs that had come and gone. In his absence his followers had not disbanded and become obscure but rather increased in numbers and strength, a force to be reckoned with for they were “turning the world upside down.” Their determination and steadfastness came with the assurance that their Lord and Master would soon return amongst them and in that day there would be a time of rejoicing likened to a wedding feast. The threat of Rome would be no more, there would indeed be a “King of Kings who would restore peace throughout the world.

Marcus can no longer remember what happened to the robe. He only hopes someone cares for it as he did. There are new friends now and an awareness that he must claim the robe Christ is offering him for his own. He has learnt that when the bridegroom comes to that wedding feast if he has on the wrong raiment he will not be invited to share that glorious time with Jesus Christ. He wanted more than anything else to meet and be with the Son of God again and experience the peace that he was able to give to the multitudes.