7 Meanings of the Cross

 The cross is one of the most cherished symbols and most recognized symbols of Christianity.  The Red Cross is a universal symbol of help.  The cross is used to mark especially military graves as a reminder of the Christian hope given by the cross.  The power of the symbol is seen in its use in exorcisms or as a protective mechanism.  But wearing the cross is a form of identifying with the most famous person who died on it- Jesus the Christ.  The person of Christ is tied up in the important work that He did while on earth, and centralized upon the giving of Himself on the cross.  He spoke often and early in His ministry about His death as a ransom (Mark 10:45), as a sacrifice, as evidence of God's love (John 3:16-18).  There are multiple meanings- perhaps- if we believe each meaning is a matter of our perception or incorporation of it- then there are billions of facets of the purpose, definition and efficacy of the cross. 
     There have been many works about what actually happened on the cross (Amy Jill Levine "Witness at the Cross" or Jim Bishop's classic "The Day Christ Died" or even Raymond Brown's encyclopedic commentaries, or Max Lucado's illustrative "He Chose the Nails"  or "Six Hours One Friday").  In these senses- the cross is a reminder of the historicity of the death of Jesus.  Roman Senator and historian Tacitus, writing in 60AD speaks of "the surpreme peanlty" given to Christ under Pilate and Tiberius (Josephus, Thallus, Phlegon Lucian of Samsota all refer to Christ being killed on the cross).  But the focus on this work is on the biblical interpretations of the cross of Jesus Christ from the standpoint of Christian faith.   We can easily go down many rabbit trails and delve deep into different subjects.  Some focus on the "Seven Last Words of Jesus."  

But for this study we will look at seven New Testament meanings of the cross. 
The meanings are deep, varied, freeing, hopeful and inspire gratitude, following, and sacrificial love.  

1) Jesus an Example of Suffering (1 Peter 2:21-24) 
2) Jesus as our Ransom (Mark 10:45)
3) Jesus the Victorious King Over Death and Evil (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:57)
4) Jesus the Sacrificial Atoner for Our Sins on the Cross (Hebrews 10:10, Col. 2:14; 1 John 4:10)
5) The Cross as a symbol of God's Love (John 3:16; John 15:13; Romans 5:8)
6)  The Cross as Descending into Hell (1 Peter 3:16,17; Colossians 1:18)
7)  The Cross as the Way to God (1 Peter 1:18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

(Titan 1558-Mary, John, & St. Dominic- San Dominico)

Prayer: Lord, Keep me near the cross during this Holy Week.  May I find meaning in the meaning of your death for my sake on the cross.  

Jesus an Example of Suffering: 

1 Peter 2:20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 22“He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” 23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

Christ asks us to follow Him in the cross.  Luke 9:23 says, "If anyone would come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me."  Jesus saw the cross as a way for His followers to live.  What did He means? 
      To take up the cross means to deny ourselves.  in our consumer oriented culture of today, it is easy to seek only comfort.  Comfort is a fickle God that changes with the weather, our stuff, our health, our relationships and feelings.  Even many believers can get caught up following the God of comfort instead of the God of the cross.  We my rationalize it by saying, "If Jesus loves me, He would want me to be comfortable."  But Jesus calls us to follow Him to the cross.  This may mean putting ourselves- or even our loved ones in uncomfortable situations.  What parent wants their child to sacrifice for others or be a missionary or take a low salary to help the poor?   Jesus left heaven's comfort for us.  He calls us to deny our comfort to follow Him.  Sometimes "Carrying our cross" means to deny our comfort and our selfishness.  It may mean getting outside of ourselves.  Jim Elliot- 20th century martyr said before he went on the mission field where he was killed, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."  Perhaps this is the best example of delayed gratification- denying earth's temporary comforts for heaven's permanent ones.  
      To take up the cross means to lift a heavy burden. If it were light, it would not be a burden.  A cross is not just something easy or common- like giving up chocolate or french fries for Lent.  
      John Calvin said there were two parts of the Christian life- dying to self (mortification) and living for God (vivification).  Our passage above speaks of Christ dying for us "so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness."  If Christ died for our sins, then we must also die to sin.  We should want what He wants.  We pray "They will be done" and that means we submit our desires (however strong) to Him.  We give up this life with all its wonders to Him.  Now, we may still live in the world.  He is not saying be a hermit.  But we cannot let the world control us.  If we cannot control the world, we may need to remove parts of it- or indeed remove ourselves from it.  An addict must avoid the drugs, and also avoid the friends and situations that entice them into using and addiction again.  We must in humility submit to Him and also in joy live for Him.  We give our time, our talents, our tithes not for ourselves but for Him.  Jesus' example- He gave His glory up, Heaven up, and even allowed Himself to be hurt and crucified to fulfill His calling on the cross as our atonement and as an example for us.  

Vanuccio- Bob Jones Art Museum

Application Question: What distracts me from Christ?  Can I fast from that- or does it control me?  

Prayer: On my own, I can do nothing, Lord.  But with you, I can do all things.  Help me to walk in your footsteps- the footsteps of the cross.  Help me to follow you into denying myself, picking up my cross and following you.