Ockham's Razor

Why were Roman soldiers gambling for the cloak of Jesus at his crucifixion? Opportunity, chance, luck, circumstances? Many have speculated about the reasons, but maybe there is an obvious reason. Crucifixion was a brutal and hideous form of death. The Romans were expert at administering this brand of execution. They were not only experts at it, but, they loved it. People had gotten used to seeing a crucifixion; it was a daily reminder to fear Roman authority. The Roman soldiers were to be respected and feared because they were a powerful and brutal army occupying Palestine. Ockham’s razor, named after William of Ockham (1285-1349), is a rule stating that entities should not be multiplied needlessly. Simply put, the simplest of two or more competing theories is preferable or that an explanation for unknown phenomena should first be attempted in terms of what is already known. Which bring us back to the question, why were they gambling for His clothes? Two options are available: by chance or design. The simple answer is: the victim’s clothes were spoils for his executioner. The Roman soldiers were doing what they had done hundreds of times before, just as Jesus’ clothes were gambled for, by casting lots. It was prophesized centuries ago; 

“They divide my garments among them

And cast lots for my clothing.”

Psalms 22:18

It’s a great insult to human dignity to rob a person (and Christ was human) of everything, even his clothing, leaving him naked and destitute. Jesus the Messiah would suffer this humiliating experience on the cross (Matthew 27:35). Bottom line and first line of defense: 

Every detail of your salvation was planned in advance, it wasn’t a gamble.