The cross. It’s probably the most recognizable symbols around the world. There are necklaces, tattoos, auto decals. Crosses adorn churches and cemeteries. No matter where you go in the world, you can find the symbol of the cross. But what does it mean? Why is the cross so dearly held across so many cultures?
2000 years ago Jesus Christ came to earth with one mission – to die on a cross. He came to die, to take upon himself the penalty of our sin. As sinners, separated from God, we deserve death, spiritual death, eternal separation from God. That means that you and I deserve to spend eternity in a horrible place called Hell. Try to imagine what that must be like.
I once heard someone say “For those that do not know Jesus, earth is the closest thing to heaven they will ever experience. And for those that do know Jesus, earth is the closest thing to Hell they will ever experience.” That’s an interesting thought. We are “in the middle.” We are on a very short journey called life, and when our life is over we either go to heaven to spend eternity with God, or we go to Hell to spend eternity separated from God.
The cross is the symbol of punishment. It was the primary form of execution in the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. The cross was the most brutal and painful way to die. The worst of prisoners were executed on the cross. And Jesus came to this earth to die, on the cross, in my place…in your place.
The cross is they crux of all of history. It is the very axis on which all eternity hangs. Because Jesus died on the cross, in my place, and in your place, we can experience forgiveness of sin. We can be forgiven, we can be reconnected with God. Because of the cross our sin is washed away, we are made clean in the eyes of the Holy God. Because of the cross we have hope for life after death. Because of the cross we can experience life through Jesus Christ.
But it is all for nothing if you choose to ignore what Jesus did for you. It was all for nothing if you reject the free gift of forgiveness that Jesus offers to you.
So what’s it going to be? Choose now, today, whom you will follow. Don’t ignore the powerful message of the cross of Christ.
Pastor Geoffrey
P.S. Parents, follow along with your kids here
Geoffrey is the campus pastor for our Monroe Campus and oversees Adult Ministries / LifeGroups at Southbrook. When he’s not out riding his bicycle, you’ll find him counseling, working with LifeGroup leaders, preparing for Wednesday classes, and most importantly serving and loving the community of Monroe.