There is quite a contrast in this section between the lack of concern in the actions of the soldiers (v23-24) and the amazing concern displayed in Christ’s words (v25-27).

As Jesus suffers and dies the soldiers were oblivious to His suffering and are just concerned about who gets his clothes and they gamble for his tunic (v23-24). Amazingly this was prophesied by David in Psalm 22 v18 approximately 1,000 years before it happened. All that was happening, down to the last detail was according to God’s sovereign plan (see Acts 4 v27-28).

Jesus by contrast, even as He suffers terribly is concerned about His mother Mary who was at the cross (v26-27). Jesus calls upon John His beloved disciple to care for mother. This was something which John was very willing to do.

As we go through life are we like the soldiers, indifferent to suffering and just caring about what we can get, or are we like Jesus who even in His suffering was caring for others? Pray to God honestly about this.