By Pastor Haniff Bacchus, Calvary Assembly of God
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).” The Cross of Jesus has been made popular by fanciful designs and used decoratively in buildings and even worn by individuals. The Cross, however, was not attractive in the first century. It was made of rough wood and was a symbol of intense suffering. Jesus suffered and died on a Cross. When we understand the truth of why He died and the intensity of how He died, we find God’s powerful message to a world He loves. God’s desire is that none should die in sin and perish in a lost eternity. The Cross of Christ is where His love met with justice. Sin’s price was paid and man is redeemed to our Heavenly Father. From the Cross, Jesus spoke seven times.
THE WORD OF FORGIVENESS
Luke 23:34 “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” You wonder how a man can suffer excruciating pain and pray for His tormentors. One would expect the victim to rail in violent resistance. Who was He praying for and offering forgiveness? There were the Romans who inflicted pain, the religious leaders who orchestrated His false trial and condemnation, His disciples who deserted Him, and more. We all have a part in His suffering. He was willing to take the pain and agony to pay for our sins. 1 Peter 2:21-25 says, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” This is the word of forgiveness. If we repent we will be forgiven because He paid the price. If we acknowledge this, we ought to live righteously for Him.
THE WORD OF HOPE
Luke 23:43 “And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” It is possible this thief knew something about Jesus. He certainly saw as man, who was expected to curse and rail at His tormentors, pray for them. He realized this man was different. So, he asked Jesus to save him. The Master tenderly replied he will be taken into Paradise that day. It shows how simple it is to be saved although he was a criminal. We do not need ceremonies, large donations or pilgrimage and building temples to be saved. Simple ask Jesus to forgive you and save you. The songwriter put it this way, “”the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.” But what about the other thief? He had the same opportunity, but he chose otherwise. You can choose today; choose salvation in Jesus!
THE WORD OF CARE
John 19:26-27 “When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” Jesus cared for His mother and secured a place for her safety and provisions. John was chosen to act as her care-giver. The Christian life is not merely rituals and words, but living it out practically. We must care for one another. Jesus places importance on family, women, and the aged. Christians must do the same. The love we receive from the Cross is to be shared with others.
THE WORD OF SEPARATION
Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” The weight of the sins of the world was a great burden to bear. One song says, “I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sins upon the Cross.” There were no sympathizers. Even the Father could not comfort Him or relief His suffering. He must bear the full brunt of the price of sins if mankind is to be redeemed. We are thankful for His Substitutionary death. All we need do now is humble ourselves and ask God’s forgiveness for our sins. The penalty is already paid.
THE WORD OF AGONY
John 19:28 “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.” Execution by crucifixion was not to be compared with simple death by sword. His humanity was demonstrated in pain and now extreme dryness. He lost blood and it was difficult to breathe. He was thirsty. As Son of God, He could have saved Himself, but the price had to be paid. As man, He felt the intensity of agony.
THE WORD OF COMPLETION
John 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” What was finished? Not only His earthly life and ministry. The Law had served its purpose. Redemption’s price is fully paid. The souls of mankind can return to our Heavenly Father and find a home in Heaven forever.
THE WORD OF SURRENDER
Luke 23:46 “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” At the same time, Jesus surrendered His spirit into the hands of the Father. It is not all over. On the third day, He will rise again and be crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords forever. Let us surrender to Him who lives and reigns forever. Take your family to church this weekend.
