Csi (Cross Scene Investigation) Week 3: Investigating The Cross Series

CSI: Cross Scene Investigation

Week 3: Investigating the Cross

[Before the message each week, a CSI style drama was performed to examine that weeks evidence]

Last Two Weeks – Investigated the Betrayal of Judas / Learned -Betray Ourselves Investigated the Trial – Pilot’s ignored the Truth about Christ

As you Saw DRAMA – This Week we are Investigating the Cross

For Many in our Culture – the Cross has a lot of Different meanings. What does the cross mean to YOU?

Some: Cross is a Fashion Statement!! Rappers & Pop Artist - large Gold / around neck

Many may remember - Madonna told Spin magazine:

"Crucifixes are sexy because there’s a naked man on them."

Web site in INDIA is advertising Crosses (w/o Christ) popular Fashion Statement. They Claim that wearing a Cross is a universal Fashion statement – not just a Religious One

For OTHERS – Symbol of Their Religious Affiliation / Catholic or Christian

The Cross - HUGE part of our Culture / Churches / Cemeteries / Jewelry

But for MOST it’s Lost its SIGNIFICANCE. We’ve Made it PRETTY – SHINEY GOLD / Fashionable

Reality of the Cross is that is was an Implement of Torture & Death!!

FACTS Crucifixion: Invented by the Persians / Perfected by the Romans. Purpose of the Cross was to Maximize PAIN & SUFFERING / Total Humiliation

Romans Reserved the Cross – Worst Criminals / SLAVES / or those in Rebellion to Caesar

In fact – against Roman Law to use it against most of their Own Citizens / high treason

Typically – the Convicted man - cross beam strapped to Their Shoulders – carry to Place

Thrown down – SKILLED Soldier place Nail – Wrist Bones – careful to miss Artery

Once Driven – SMASH the MAIN Median Nerve / Shock Waves – Brain / Rub against nail

Arms were often tied – Hoisted in AIR to Top of Cross / SHOULDERS – Often Dislocate

Once Secured – Feet would be pulled together / Overlapped / NAILED Straight Through

THOUGH the arms were Secured / Lower body would SAG onto the Nails in the Feet

DEATH – not from Wounds, but from SUFFICATION, / To BREATH – move up & down Nails

Crucifixion was not a Very Bloody / BUT for Jesus – Horribly Bloody. Unlike Most people Crucified / Jesus was Scourged – Not Just a Whip/ Iron balls & bone. Iron would raise up DEEP Welts / Bone would then tear open those Contusions / Though a Common Punishment / Victim was Whipped to Unconsciousness – not DEATH! Often Performed by two Solders on either Side / Shoulders to the Back of the Legs

In the Story of Christ’s suffering – Pilate only Whipped Jesus to SOOTH the Crowd / Wasn’t His intension to Crucify. The Solders – Caught up in the Moment / Placed a Rob on Jesus’ beaten Back

Since he was ACCUSED of Being a KING / Place a Crown of Thorns – Head

Blood was now flowing from Open Wounds on His Back / Head / BOTH RUB – CROSS!!

Finally – Jesus’ heart finally gave out, which was Confirmed by the spear to the Side / Water & Blood

Context, the Cross is no More Fashionable – Then an Electric Chair or a Hang Man’s Noose

Not saying its wrong to wear!! There’s nothing Sexy or Fashionable about Death!!

What does the Cross mean to You?

[Video: What does the cross mean to you? / Sermon Spice]

REALITY – The Cross Contradicts Most of the Ideals we Value in our CULTURE!!

SACRIFICE for OTHERS vs. SELF PROMOTION / GIVING as opposed to GETTING /

Pain vs. Comfort / Nakness vs. Strength

To our SUCCESS Minded Culture – The Cross & the one Who Died On it – FOOLISH!!

"The teaching about the cross is foolishness to those who are lost." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NCV)

What does the Cross Mean to You?

To those who do not understand, the cross is FOOLISH –“WASTE OF TIME!!”

Yet, Millions of People have found Comfort & Hope in It! Why – Give their lives for it?

Why is a the Symbol of Death & Pain & Suffering – Symbol of LIFE for Christians?

Jesus said “When I have been lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me." John 12:32 (GW)

There’s something about the cross that BECOMES a point of CONNECTION w/ People

Something about the Cross - DRAWS People to Christ / COMPELS People to COME!

What is it? You have to EXAMINE the EVIDENCE!! Examine True Mean & Purpose!!

First thing You’ll Find when you . . . Examine The Evidence of the Cross . . .

1. You’ll Find God’s PROVISION

To Understand the Cross – WE Must Come to Understand OUR NEED!!