Resurrection clothing

John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says,
“They parted my garments among them.
For my cloak they cast lots.”*
Therefore the soldiers did these things. 


38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds. 40 So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. (World English Bible, public domain. All Bible quotations in this post are from that version.)



John 20:3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. 5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.


14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”
She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”


*The reference is to Psalm 22:18 They divide my garments among them.
They cast lots for my clothing.


We aren't given a step by step description of how Jesus was clothed at various stages during the time leading up to the crucifixion, and after it, but most likely, he was stripped completely, or possibly stripped to His undergarments, whatever that might have been, for the execution. That, of course, would have been part of the shame of this awful punishment.

His clothing, or most of his clothing,was divided up among the soldiers, and almost certainly not returned to his family or friends with the body. Even if it had been, Joseph and Nicodemus apparently started over, with wrapping appropriate for burial. But Jesus didn't need that, either! When Mary Magdalene saw Him, she didn't recognize him. He must have been wearing something, but it wasn't the grave clothes. His resurrection included some sort of clothing, not just His body!

Although this promise may have been meant only for the church at Sardis, most likely, it applies to all of the redeemed, who will receive a glorified body, and glorified garments:

Revelation 3:4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Thanks for reading! No Easter finery (if you wear such) can match whatever Jesus was wearing.

He is risen!