The Cross ... Jesus' and ours

The Cross – Jesus’ and our own - stands at the center of the Christian faith. If we are honest with ourselves we will admit that we have all struggled with the meaning that it carries not only for Jesus, but also for our lives … lived out on a daily basis. We would much prefer a faith of celebration and joy instead of one of suffering, shame and suffering. While struggling with this central role of the cross, I came across this online discussion about the role and purpose of the cross. While it doesn’t answer any profound questions concerning the purpose nevertheless it did cause me to pause to contempt its central role. I think that over the next several days I probably will be thinking about the cross more than I would normally would have. This online discussion has set me on a quest … a spiritual quest of sorts … maybe it will you as well.

A Pastor on Northern Vancouver Island wrote to online study group this message:

"I'm having difficulty with the Gospel this week; what is this cross that I am to take up, and what am I to deny in following Jesus?"

Another Pastor, a student minister in the United States wrote:

"I find this a hard gospel text because it talks about suffering rather than joy."

The cross has always caused problems to people. Brutal and barbaric – the cross was a tool of political power for the Romans. They maintained their power because of the fear of death on the cross.

When one was condemned by the state, the condemned literally had to "take up his cross" and carry it to the public place where he was to be crucified. It was part of the humiliation process, the mechanism of social control for which crucifixion was invented.

The cross was an instrument of suffering and shame - and no more so than among the Children of Israel - where the scriptures themselves declare: "cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree".

To die on a cross was a sign that one died cut off from God, and cut off from the people of God - a sign that the person was rejected. And of course in the case of Jesus this was very true.

I would be interested in hearing about your quest of understanding.

Quote for today: The cross cannot be defeated, for it is defeat. Gilbert K. Chesterton.