The Glory of The Cross
-Introduction
-Heb 12:1-2
-In a previous lesson, we looked at the details regarding the crucifixion of our Lord.
-It is truly mind boggling to think about the love which led to the cross - the love that
was displayed upon it.
-“Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
-Eph 3:8, 19
-We need to remember that Jesus went to that cross because of sin - including the sins of
you and me.
-We, therefore, need to be deeply thankful for His sacrifice and we need to allow it to
encourage us, motivate us and to remind us of things most important.
-This morning, I want to focus on the cross - The Glory of the Cross.
-“Cross” and the Scriptures
-It is interesting to note that in the KJV, the word cross does not appear a single time
within the O.T. scriptures.
-not that it isn’t spoken of - Deut 21:22-23 (Gal 3:13)
-prophecies regarding the suffering of Jesus - We understand that those were fulfilled
with His crucifixion upon the cross. That’s easy for us to see this side of the cross.
-Yet, there is a distinct difference regarding the word “cross” and the N.T.
-occurs 28 times (always the same Greek word)
-6 occur prior to the crucifixion - All six references are spoken by Jesus.
-i.e. Matt 10:38 - greater emphasis, understanding this side of the cross
-11 occur within the description of the crucifixion of Jesus
-i.e. Matt 27:32, 40, 42
-11 occur after the crucifixion
-i.e. 1 Cor 1:18, Gal 6:14
-Yet, in reality, the cross is involved many more times in the New Testament - implied
within the many references to the death of Jesus, sacrifice of Jesus, blood of Jesus.
-Remember, overall, the Jews despised the cross.
-So, why would there be so much emphasis placed upon it?
-The Cross Today
-In just about any community in this country, one can drive around and see crosses -
whether they be atop a church building steeple or marking the site of a loved one’s grave.
-I would imagine that if we looked at the Bibles represented in this very room, somewhere
there would be one with a cover adorned by a cross.
-The front of this pulpit has a decorative shape of the cross on it. The end of each pew is
engraved with the shape of a cross.
-In just about any jewelry room showcase, one can find the shape of the cross - either on
necklaces, earrings, rings, etc.
-So, why is it that something so despised at one time is now so openly displayed? Why
do we openly display that which is tied directly to such a horrible death?
-A few years ago, I was sitting in the auditorium at FHU during their annual lectureship.
I was listening to Wayne Jackson speak when I heard him make a reference to this fact.
-He asked, “Why don’t we see images of the hangman’s noose? Why don’t we see
items/buildings adorned with depictions of the electric chair? Why don’t we see
necklaces with a replica of the hypodermic needle used for lethal injections?
-We chuckle at those questions, but think about the death carried out by the cross?
-So, what’s the difference?
-Acts 2 - A Tale of Two Tombs
-Each of the four Gospel accounts, end with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
-Each of these events took place in a public fashion.
-Jesus’ death on the cross was in view of the public.
-Individuals were well aware of the location of Jesus’ tomb - Joseph of Arimathaea;
Jewish leaders wanted guards posted; Mary Magdalene discovered the stone was
rolled away, John and Peter ran to the tomb...
-In Acts 2, Peter made reference to two tombs:
-By the way, do you think Jerusalem would have been in a stir at that time?
-Acts 2:22-24 (vs 22 - as ye yourselves know)
-The resurrection of Jesus was also clearly known. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene
and other women (John 20:11-18, Matt 28:9-15), two disciples on the way to Emmaus
(Luke 24:13-31), Peter (Luke 24:33-35, 1 Cor 15:5), the apostles without Thomas (Luke
24:36-43), the apostles with Thomas (John 20:26-31), seven apostles fishing on the Sea of
Galilee (John 21:1-23), appeared to more than 500 (1 Cor 15:6), James (1 Cor 15:7), another
appearance in Galilee (Matt 28:16-20). Later, Jesus would also appear to Saul (1 Cor 15:8,
Acts 9).
-Peter spoke of the tomb of King David. What was within it? David’s body.
-Peter spoke of the tomb of Jesus? What was within it? No body. It was empty.
-The multitude to whom Peter spoke understood that Jesus had been resurrected from the
dead. It was and is a fact.
-Therein, lies the key. Why has the image of the cross and the message it represents
changed so drastically? - Because of the resurrection of Jesus.
-The Cross - A Changed Image
-Had Jesus not come forth from that tomb, the representation of the cross would have been
unchanged. When He came forth from the tomb, oh what a difference!
-1 Cor 1:18 - Now the cross was openly preached.
-Gal 6:12-14 - Persecution was now endured in view of the cross.
-Eph 2:6; 12-16 - The cross now represented a positive message - reconciliation, unity, peace.
-Phil 2:8, 3:18 - The cross now stood as an example, a means of motivation.
-The cross was no longer an image of defeat but of victory. It was no longer a symbol of
despair but of hope.
-The fact that Jesus came forth verified His true identity and validated His claims and
His doctrine.
-It empowered the followers of Jesus and deeply motivated them. (Think of Saul when
he realized that the Christians were correct - Jesus was the Risen Savior.)
-So, when you see the cross, reflect upon its past meaning and its current representation.
-Think about the Savior who suffered on that cross but overcame the death which took
place upon it. Remember His sacrifice for us and be motivated to serve Him.
-Realize that victory is promised thanks to the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
-Heb 12:1-2
-What about you this morning? Are you looking unto Jesus? Have you obeyed His Gospel?
-If not, believe (John 3:16, 8;24), confess your faith (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10),
repent (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), be baptized (Acts 2:38, Rom 6:3-4).
-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel, have you remained faithful? If not, confess your faults,
repent of them and pray for God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).