The Robe
The Romans ruled the world; a politician’s son was treated more favorably than others; the rich and famous expected subservience from their inferiors. Marcellus, the senator’s son, bought Demetrius as a slave in the marketplace but released him and asked him to report to his father’s house. He was surprised when the freed man was obediently there awaiting his arrival.
Tiberius's regent, Caligula, ordered Marcellus to an abhorrent military assignment in Jerusalem. Demetrius accompanied Marcellus to the post. As they arrived in Jerusalem on a Sunday, the citizens were leaving the city to accompany the arrival of a man riding on a donkey. They waved palm branches and praised him.
As Christ passed, he looked Demetrius in the eye. Demetrius felt compelled to follow him but did not. When he tried to find him later, he encountered a remorseful Judas, who admitted his sin of betrayal of God’s Son. The night was stormy. Demetrius pleaded with Marcellus to intercede with Pilate. But when he spoke with Pilate, he was ordered to command the detail of Roman soldiers to crucify the three criminals. As Christ uttered his plea for forgiveness for those who were killing him, the lightning illuminated the deathly scene.
Marcellus won the cloak (the robe) of God’s son in a dice game from Paulus, who declared that it would be a symbol of Marcellus’ victory over the King of the Jews. Marcellus wrapped the robe around him to protect him from the pelting rain that afternoon. He felt the mystical powers of it and threw it away.
In Canaan, he met believers, including Simon Peter. Peter shared his denial of Christ following Judas’ betrayal. Then Marcellus was able to acknowledge that he felt great guilt for crucifying Christ. Peter explained that Christ had forgiven him for that by His death. Marcellus accepted Christ as his Savior. Later a soothsayer declared his insanity was due to the cursed robe and it needed to be destroyed.
When Marcellus was arrested and brought to trial for rescuing Demetrius from the torture of the Roman government, he was offered life if he were to renounce Jesus. He refused. Diana, his fiancée joined him, and both were sentenced to death. The final scene revealed Marcellus and Diana ascending into Heaven.
In 2022, we live in a chaotic world ruled by authoritarian politicians. Christians are scoffed at, ridiculed and tempted to reject Christianity for earthly blessings, just as Demetrius, Marcellus, and the Canaanites in the movie. Now we face mandates and threats similar to those described in the Book of Revelation—conform or face the consequences. Will we be so brave?
Can we learn from Miriam, the paralytic, who claimed she was healed by Christ but was still unable to walk but who could sing His praises with peace and hope? Can we find peace of mind and soul even though the body is not perfect? Can we learn from the formerly deformed Jonathan whose foot was healed by Christ, who received a donkey from Marcellus, but who regifted that donkey to another boy who could not walk? Will we share our gifts? Will we share Christ with those of this world? Can we learn to speak quietly and confidently like Justus rather than raise our voice in anger against those with whom we do not agree? Will we, like Justus, seek only what is fair and just even if we can gain worldly wealth by being deceptive?
Christ’s side was pierced, and from the wound flowed blood and water. Christ drained Himself completely in His Death for us. His blood washed away our sins; we were clothed with complete forgiveness—The Robe. We were washed white with the blood of the Lamb. This trailer of The Robe contrasts the authoritarian rule with the hope and faith of those who knew Christ as the Son of God:
As Gary Gross wrote in his Easter greetings—the world offers us many choices; eternity, only two (Heaven and Hell). We must choose wisely.
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