The cross means many things to many people. What does it mean to me? Today, as we remember the death of Jesus on the cross, I’d like to share three things that the cross symbolises for me.
1. A symbol of life and joy
For centuries, the cross has been seen as a symbol of shameful death – a punishment befitting condemned criminals.
In Homeric and classical Greek, until the early 4th century BC, the cross was seen as an upright stake, pole or piece of paling “on which anything might be hung”. In Koine Greek, the word cross was used to denote a structure on which the Romans executed criminals.
This form of capital punishment involved binding the victim with outstretched arms to a crossbeam, or nailing him firmly to it through his wrists. The crossbeam was then raised against an upright shaft and fastened to it about 3 metres from the ground. The feet of the victim were then tightly bound or nailed to the upright shaft.
With such a painful and humiliating death, how could the cross be anything other than a symbol of shame and suffering? Yet, it was not a coincidence for Jesus to die on the cross. His excruciating death was intentional and turned the cross from a sad symbol of death to a joyful symbol of life!
2. A crossing towards eternal life
Jesus’ death brings a glorious eternal life for those who believe in Him because He not only died but rose again to life! Isn’t it beautiful that the cross, which is associated with shameful death, is now the symbol of eternal life through Jesus Christ? It is through this cross that we can now cross over from this side (darkness) to the other side (light) – eternal life. It is certainly this cross that bridges the gap between us sinners and God, the El Shaddai.
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2
3. A crossing away of my sins
Before I met Jesus, I had no hope in life. As an arrogant and proud college student, I was always discussing and debating about ideologies, beliefs and “isms”, and hanging around with a bunch of “university wits”. Who could change me? Mommy? No. Daddy? No. Uncles and aunts? No.
Drifting is an easy task; to hold on is cumbersome and difficult. The coming of Jesus into my life humbled me and opened my eyes to the right ideas. This change made me reflect, realise and repent. The cross not only changed me, but also crossed away my sins by cleaning my slate and giving me the chance to be a new person.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.“ – Galatians 2:20
Thus, friends, Romans and countrymen, the cross to you may be a sad memory, like that of a knife piercing the flesh. But it needn’t be anymore. Hail, Jesus Christ! The giver of new life brings redemption, sanctification and justification through His stripes!
Written by Abigail Anubha Hemple.
Anu is a loving and serving child of God who spends her days teaching and mentoring teenagers in a school. In her free time, she likes reading and spending time with her husband and her family.
Hello. Great article.