The Life of Christ

Edersheim offers some historical background regarding just how Jesus might have dressed:

The Head Covering

• He probably wore some sort of head covering which might have been a handkerchief twisted into a turban, which was also worn around His neck.

• It served as covering for His head and may have even extended over the back of the neck and shoulders. In this culture, it was deemed a mark of disrespect to walk around, or to pass a person, with bared head. • Slaves were required to cover their heads in the presence of their masters. When Israel marched out of Egypt at the Exodus, it says “they went out with a high hand,” which also meant in those days “with an uncovered head.”

The Tunic

• Jesus wore an inner garment that was made of either linen or wool; sages most often wore those that extended all the way to their feet.

• This was known as the tunic; it had sleeves, was close fitting, and reached the ankles.

• At the bottom was a decorative hem. Jesus’ tunic was without seam, woven from the top throughout, and considered quite expensive for that day.

• To possess only one tunic was the sign of poverty. When the apostles were later sent on their mission, they were only to take with them “ one tunic ” (Mt. 10:10).

The Girdle

• Worn around the tunic was a belt or girdle.

The Cloak

• Over the tunic could be worn the “cloak,” which was like a heavy overcoat. • We remember in the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus said, “If anyone wants to take your tunic, let him have your cloak also” (Mt. 5:40).

The Shoes

• He also wore either sandals or shoes, depending upon the weather.

• Men usually had two pair of shoes made of very coarse material; these covered the entire foot and were especially intended for winter or rainy weather. • Sandals, which only protected the soles and sides of the feet, were for the warmer season.

When the soldiers gambled for His clothes at the cross, each of them took one of the above- mentioned items, but when it came to the tunic, they cast lots because of its high value (Jn. 19:24).

Overall, Jesus was very well dressed.

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• The Rabbis laid down a rule that the learned ought to be most careful in their dress. It was a disgrace if a scholar walked around with torn shoes; to wear dirty clothes “deserved death”; “for the glory of God was man, and the glory of man was his dress.” • Such a priority was placed upon clothing that on the Sabbath, if a man’s house was burning, he was allowed to put on no fewer than 18 different articles. He couldn’t carry them out, but he could wear them out.

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