A bizarre symbol
For Romans … a vulgar term
For Jews – Deuteronomy 21:23, “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse”.
Mocked or ridiculed. “Alexamous worships his God”.
Why it must remain central
- The cross is central to the plans of God
- The cross is central in OT prophecy
- The cross is central in Jesus’ story
- The cross is central in eternity
To clarify
Both the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Not the piece of wood but what Jesus accomplished
1) The cross is central in the plans of God
Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:22-24
The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. Mark 14:21
Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 1 Peter 1:10-11
Road to Emmaus – Luke 24:26-27
2) The cross is central in OT prophecy
Isaiah 53
- pierced for our transgressions
- crushed for our iniquities
- punishment that bought us peace would be upon him
- by his wounds we are healed
- cut off from the land of the living
- see his off spring and prolong his days
3) The cross is central in His story
The cross cannot be avoided
Now my heart is troubled what shall I say? “Father save me from this hour?” No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. John 12:27-32
4) The Cross is central in eternity
Rev 5
So what should we do
Never move on from the cross.
Question – Is what Jesus did on the cross central to your life… is it your passion?