(Lk. 23:8-11; Matt. 27:26-38.)
A close study of the Gospels reveals that the "gorgeous-robe" and the "scarlet cloak" (New Trans.), are two garments, instead of-as is generally thought-one that is spoken of in two ways. The "gorgeous robe" (rendered "splendid," J. N. D., and "brilliant," Num. Bible), was placed upon our Lord by Herod and his men of war. It seems to have been the answer they gave to this silent Man whose real dignity was manifest. They "set Him at nought, and mocked Him."
It has been suggested that this "gorgeous robe" was to array Him as a Candidate for honors. To Herod He was a mystery man, and he had been desirous of seeing Him. He was the Lamb to be brought to the slaughter, and here, is like a sheep dumb before His cruel shearers, the chief priests and scribes, who stood and vehemently accused Him.
He goes from Herod, a Candidate for honors. How blessedly true! Greater honors awaited this calm, dignified Lamb of God. He is sold for the price of a slave (Oh, what an estimate!); His disciple began to swear that he knew Him not; He is passed through a mock trial, and He hears His own people in a clamor for His death and the release of a murderer. Furthermore He is scourged (O patient, spotless One!), and then the soldiers of Pilate have Him in their hands.
We are now introduced to the "scarlet cloak." This, perhaps an old military cloak, was put on Christ. But He is a King! A crown must be found! Thorns are plentiful, so they are plaited to encircle His head. A king should have a scepter. A reed is placed hi His hand. He is mocked, spit upon, and smitten upon the head with a reed. Was there ever such a complete picture of abject misery and shame and weakness? So it must seem in the eyes of unbelief. He is crucified in weakness; He cannot save Himself. Blessed, blessed truth for all who believe! He could not save Himself and us. "He gave Himself for me" has been the sweet confession of faith in all generations.
But I must still call attention to the "scarlet cloak"–called by others "the red sagum"-which was used to ridicule His supposed pretensions to the dignity of a King. How grand it would look upon Him! The great men of this world must have their gorgeous attire with medals and adornment; their powerful retinue to command and inspire respect. But He could stand alone! He needed nothing; everyone and everything had need of Him. Just think of His greatness before a powerful King and his soldiers! 'Meek, gentle, alone, accused of evil by the religious world, and set at nought! His was the true greatness, for it was intrinsic.
Let us contemplate this mocked One. He made that "scarlet cloak" beautiful; the crown of thorns-bedewed, as it undoubtedly was, with drops of His precious blood -more precious than the richest crown. The reed intended to set forth the weakness in which He was crucified, this was His mighty power.
"By weakness and defeat,
He won the meed and crown."
Men took this reed and smote Him on the head. Those whose deep need had called Him to that weakness, taunted Him with it. 0 Christ of God, what is man that Thou art so mindful of him? Why not let him meet the doom he so richly merits? Sweet answer of love!
"His love needs worms like us
To cherish and to bless."
Beloved reader, consider Him in these two attitudes. A Candidate for honors in the "gorgeous robe;" the accepted Candidate in the "scarlet cloak"-both given to Him by those He came to save. He is now at the right hand of God, crowned with glory and honor. But He is coming to be admired in those He will beautify with His likeness. They have cast in their lot with Him; He shall be manifested in them; they shall reflect His beauty.
What power there is with all that is of Him! His death has poured contempt upon all the glory of the world. Man has betrayed himself as corrupt to the core, by mocking at the expense of the Creator's infinite sorrow. But the greatest act of man's sin has but served as the occasion for the greatest display of infinite love and compassion.
Now through grace, there are those who confess their contemptible existence of sinnership; who prostrate themselves before Him in reverence and adoration, owning Him as Lord. His redemption glory is thereby manifested, for the greatest crown He has is the one He won in the conquest that was theirs.
"Triumphant saints no honor claim,
His conquest was their own."
The "gorgeous robe" and the "scarlet cloak" would suggest the double glory which is His in connection with the Assembly and Israel with the nations in the world to come. E. Chas. Taylor