The Cross of Jesus Christ

April 18, 2014 –– Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Isaiah 52:13–53:12 / Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9 / John 18:1–19:42

The Cross of Jesus Christ

One of the Christian writers who helped form my early Evangelical Faith once said, “Real preaching makes people feel the nails and the thorns.” This is right not only for the pain Jesus himself experienced for us, but also figuratively for ourselves. The cross is at the core of our Christian Faith. Any time we let ourselves drift too far from a “cross consciousness” we are going in a spiritually dangerous direction.

We should “refresh” our personal faith often. Reflecting on some basic perspectives is one way to reinforce our Christian commitment. I offer these:

When we sin (disobey God), we cause an upheaval in the nature of all creation that causes death.

The cross and death of Jesus shows us the true nature of perfect love confronting sin.

Every time I choose something that is in conflict with God and his character of holiness and purity and selfless love, I join my voice to those who scream, Crucify him!

There is not a day––not one moment––that I do not need the grace and mercy and forgiveness that Jesus made possible when he died on the cross.

And so we say with St Paul, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14a).