There are so many books, sermons, songs about the cross, where does one begin as we consider Jesus and the Cross? The cross has always been in the eternal plan of God from the beginning of time. All of God's works have been known to Him from eternity and the cross was the focal point of His plan. Because of God's love towards mankind because of Adam's sin, the death of Christ would bring reconciliation in that relationship.
2 Timothy 1:8,9 states, "God who saved us and called us with a holy calling, according to His purpose and grace which was granted in Christ Jesus from eternity." Eternity! There was never a time when YOU were Not loved by God. John says "Our names were written in the Lamb's book of life "From the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8
The cross of Christ is not just two pieces of wood that Jesus died on -- although that was very cruel in the way one person would die. Cicero called it the "most cruel and disgusting penalty" It was reserved for slaves types of punishment only. Or if treason was committed then a public display of punishment would be enforced. Roman governors liked to showoff their crime punishments.
Before the crucifixions, there would be scourging and other tortures. They would wear tags around their necks describing their punishments. Long spikes were the nails into their hands and feet. Sometimes it would take days before they would die. Jesus carried his cross until another (Simon the Cyrene) took his cross from Him. Burials are denied to the criminal, but we know Joseph of Armithea gave him a "decent" burial.
That Christ suffered on the cross is acknowledged by almost all. But was He only a man or was He the Son of God suffering? The suffering of Christ is really God's own suffering for Jesus said "He who has me has seen the Father." John14:9) Someone said, God dying for man. It is not that God died, because immortality is eternal.
George Buttrick said, "The nail that pierces the hand of Christ, goes in the hand of God. The spear that thrusts into the side of Jesus, goes in heart of God. Jesus became a man so that God may feel the pain in death.
Christ endured the cross for "the joy that was set before Him". (Hebrews 12:2)
Conclusion: Henry Lyte gave us these words to sing:
Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee
Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be
Perish every fond ambition, All I've sought and hoped and known
Yet, how rich is my condition, God and heaven are still my own. Amen.
Presented By: Larry L. Vollink, Cedar Springs, Michigan, (616) 655-4129 lawrenceV@comcast.net
