Bible Passage: Luke 9:23 *“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”* The cross of Jesus is the basis of our salvation. The cross is a place of
* Restoration
* Redemption
* Reconciliation
* Restitution
Remember the two thieves, one reconciled and got a perfect restoration. While the other thief didn't acknowledge the presence of Jesus Christ. Jesus's sacrifice makes amends for our sins. He bore the penalty for sin, effectively making restitution for our wrongs that separated us from God. It is only through faith in Christ that individuals can be redeemed and experience a new life. Jesus has paid the price on the Cross...Just believe! Hmm! Jesus death was not a mistake! It wasn't. If the devil knew this, he would not plot his crucification on the cross. The cross is a difficult situation that must be endured—the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus endured! Infact, it is the foundation of our identity as Christians. Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross.
What does the cross mean to you? To me, it is a place of total surrender. Jesus was humble until death. surrendered to God. Many unbelievers see this as a point used to Swift our balance as as Christians but I tell you. God the father, Son and Spirit all work together. We were all enemies of God, and in His wisdom, He placed enmity between man and woman. God did place the enmity... We were all enemies of God because of our sin. But God in his infinite mercy created a way through the cross.
So, What exactly is the cross?
The cross is a place of crucifixion. Galatians 2:20 – Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ...” The cross is a call to mortify the flesh and its desires.
The cross is a place of humility. Jesus was humble. He was born in a manger. He left heaven and was obedient to the end.
The cross is a place of sacrifice. Jesus was the sacrifice. Romans 12:1–2 – Present your bodies a living sacrifice...
The cross is a place of reconciliation with God. Luke 23:42–43 – The two thieves: one reconciled with God, the other did not. God is angry with the wicked every day.
The cross is where we surrender totally to God. Mark 14:32–36, Luke 22:42–44, Matthew 26:36–44 – Jesus prayed: “Let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” If you have not yet surrendered to the cross in your own life, now is the time.
The cross is a place of redemption. The cross is a place of victory. If the devil had known that Jesus’ death would lead to our deliverance, they would not have crucified Him. The cross is a place of power. It is where the ultimate price was paid. Jesus declared, “It is finished.” It is where mortality encounters divinity. Matthew said, “Let him take up his cross.” Luke added, “...daily, and follow me.”
Benefits of the Cross
1. Redemption and Forgiveness
The cross atones for sin and provides a pathway to forgiveness. Colossians 1:24, Isaiah 1:18
2. Healing
“By His stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
3. Peace
A deep, inner peace knowing that our sins are forgiven. We now have access to God and He hears us.
4. Freedom from the Power of Sin
Romans 6:14 – “Sin shall no longer have dominion over you.”
5. Victory over Satan and Evil
Colossians 2:15, Galatians 3:13 and Hebrews 2:14–15 – Jesus destroyed the one who held the power of death.
6. Access to God * Direct access to God through the torn veil. * Hebrews 10:19–20 7. Access to Eternity * Matthew 10:38 – “He that taketh not his cross... is not worthy of me.” Remember that it is through Jesus that we have ethanal life.
Like the eagle who stares into the sun until it dies, focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus said, “If any man will follow me, let him deny himself.” So, what does the cross mean to you today?
