Phil.2.6-8
People look at the cross for various reasons.
For many it is a religious symbol that reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made.
For some it is a piece of jewelry. If you see the media, even the meanest, deadliest gangsters would be wearing the cross. Some uses it for interior decoration.The cross shouldn’t be hanging on your chest but Jesus inside your heart.
The Bible teaches about different things; be it the narratives, or the miracles, or even the cross.
I would like to share Eight things the cross can teach us.
The cross teaches us that SIN WILL SEPARATE US FROM GOD. Isaiah 59:1, 2 says our sin separates us from God. Romans 5:8 says God showed his love to us while we were yet sinners.
The cross also teaches us about FORGIVENESS.
According to Hebrews 10:10-18, Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for sin for all time. The cross teaches us that forgiveness takes sacrifice even on our part toward others.
The cross teaches about SUCCESS. Jesus’ death might be considered a failure today. Yet, in John 19:30, as he was dying, Jesus said, “It is finished.” You see, he succeeded in his mission to do God’s will. A Christian’s success is accomplished by doing God’s will.
The cross teaches us a course about LOVE. In John 15:13 Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus taught us about love by freely dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
As we look to the cross we look at the absolute love of God reaching out to humanity.
Cross is the symbol of perfect love. Who, being in very nature God, became human reveals God’s love for his people.
Jn.3:16, 1 John 4:9-11
The cross teaches us about Jesus’ DRAWING POWER. Jesus says in John 12:32, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”
And Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Jesus died on the cross to draw us to him for salvation.”
The cross teaches about OBEDIENCE
Jesus had all authority to lay his life down and take it, but he obediently sacrificed his life.
Jesus was obedient in fulfilling the Father’s will. Jesus prayed, if you are willing take this cup away from me. Yet let your will be done.
This is the model of prayer. It is good to pray for God’s will to be done. Be it job change or praying for a life partner. Instead of praying for a certain individual, pray that God may reveal his will for us.
The cross teaches about the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God
We the humankind, being alienated from God because of our sin. Now we are brought by a price – the blood of Jesus.
Now we are clothed in Righteousness of God and we can boldly come before God the Father through the righteousness of God
The righteousness of God that he has called us the children of God
The cross teaches about the MEEKNESS of God
Paul mentions that Jesus made himself nothing and took the very nature of a servant.
This depicts how Jesus humbled himself in order to fulfill the great purpose of God and to redeem the mankind to himself.
We need to remember that the power is not in the cross but it is a reminder of what happened there and why.
The power is in the gospel; the good news about Jesus. He came from God to teach us how to live. He died. He was buried. And he arose alive from the grave.
It is not the cross that draws us to God but, rather, the Christ who died on the cross.
Today, as the people of God
Are we able to experience that absolute love and respond to it with true commitment?
Are we meek like our master, who stepped down from heaven to the earth to redeem humankind?
Are we obedient like our Lord, even unto death in fulfilling the great commission?
Have we experienced the righteousness of God and do we come boldly before him with the assurance of Christ’ righteousness?
May God help us to live our life in Love, humility and obedience in experiencing the Righteousness of God.
Chordalayam 