Thank You for the Cross

Before I start, I want you to reflect on some questions for a few moments. (take all the time you need). Just imagine you're standing there along with the crowd watching Jesus being severely beaten, the crown of thorns being placed on His head, mocked, and laughed at while carrying the cross on his back. What would you do in that moment? How would you respond? I know that these are difficult questions to answer, but I really believe it's important to ask ourself. Would you run away and flee the scene? Or would you be amongst the crowd feeling so helpless not knowing what to do? Personally, I'd feel so helpless I wouldn't be able to watch. I would be very emotional and deeply hurt. I can only imagine the weighty presence that happened on that day. I even wonder what each of the disciples were thinking when all of this was happening. As Jesus was being crucified, it was a day that was very dark, intense, and chaotic. When you read about it in the Bible you can even feel the weight and heaviness that was upon that day. But Jesus knew full well what he was doing. And He did it for us.. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (NIV).

This kind of love outweighs everything. Jesus paid the the ultimate sacrifice by dying on the cross so we could freely come into relationship with Him. He died for our sins so we could be free from sin. This was all apart of God's plan. One commentary puts it this way, "He died to save us, not in our sins, but from our sins: but we were yet still sinners when He died for us. Our character was bound to rebellion and deserving of wrath, Jesus stepped in and paid the price so that we can be saved" (Henry, 1961, p. 17764). I want to highlight something very important that we often forget, and that is the importance of Christ's blood. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace". It is through the shedding of His blood on the cross that covers the remission of sin. Without it, the gospel would be lost. Jesus coming down to this earth setting an example would've been pointless. If Jesus did not die on the cross, there would be no remission of sin. That means our sins wouldn't be forgiven, we wouldn't have the hope of eternal life or talking with Him freely like we do now.

~ ( You can read Hebrews 9:13-15 for more insight in your own time).

I'm so thankful for the hope that we have in Jesus! We are covered and protected by His Blood! Friends, you need to realize the authority that God has given you as an individual, we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12:11). You are covered! You don't need to build these walls of protection, Jesus is your safety! You may be in a season right now not knowing where to turn, Jesus is that person who you turn to! Let go and allow Him to transform your life! You might be on a Damascus road in this season, but it's a season that God wants to transform you like never before! Are you ready for it? Are you willing to go deep in relationship with Him? Do you want more that He has for you?

None of this would be possible if it wasn't for the cross. The cross made the difference! He died so that we could have life and live in the abundance that He has for us which He freely gave!

As Easter approaches, let's take time to give Him thanks, praise and adoration for who He is and what He's done.

Lord I thank you that you died and rose again.

Thank you for sending your son Jesus to come to this earth and for paving the way for us to follow. We were deserving to be bound to sin, but through your son we can come into relationship with you.

Thank you for the hope and authority that is in your name, that we can live out in boldness as men and women of God. Knowing that the enemy cannot cross the bloodline! Our worth and identity is founded in you.

Thank you for the hope we have to spend eternal life with you forever. Where there will be no more sin or pain.

Thank you Lord for the cross.