The cross (part 1)

You should have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. Although he was equal with God in every way, he did not cling to His divine privileges. Instead, he emptied himself and assumed the role of a servant, taking the form of man.  Having a human appearance, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, a shameful death on a cross. As a result, God elevated him to the highest place and gave him the name that is honored above all others (Philippians 2:5-9).

When you look at the cross, what do you see?  A lot of people see a basic design that can be used in many ways.  If the cross is delicate and made from a precious metal, it makes a nice piece of jewelry.  If it is big and red, it serves as a reminder to donate blood to the Red Cross.  People who are into math look at a small cross and see a ‘plus’ sign.  Those who work in architecture and fashion see the cross as a basic element of design.

But the cross is more than a piece of art that is pleasing to the eye.  The cross carries meaning that stretches back two thousand years. In those days, the cross was a symbol of torture and humiliation.  Mankind has devised many horrible ways to execute criminals, methods that got rid of evil doers and warned everyone else to behave or else.  But no style of execution equals the sick horror of crucifixion.  Death on a cross was terribly painful, and most victims lingered on for several days before drawing their last breath.  Since the Roman Empire reserved this form of death for only the worst offenders, being sentenced to crucifixion was also deeply shameful. 

To a non-believer, seeing the cross rehabilitated into something joyful to look at seems puzzling.  Why would anyone want to hang a symbol of suffering and shame on their bedroom wall or wear it on a necklace?  What they don’t understand is that one particular cross marked a change in life to billions of people.  It was on a cross that the Son of God gave His life for sinners so they could be forgiven.  His great sacrifice has turned countless lives away from selfishness and wanton disregard for others to a new way of life that honors God with compassionate love and humble service.  On the day when Christ was crucified, the doors of hell were locked shut and heaven’s gates thrown open to all who embrace Jesus as their Savior.  For the Christian, the cross represents a fresh start at life—there is nothing more beautiful.