Journey to the Cross | Day 6 | April 10, 2020
The Power of the Cross
Read Luke 23:32-34; 44-46.
In Christian circles, a phrase often used is “the power of the cross.” On this side of the cross, we understand the power that was made available to us through Jesus. On the day we have given the title, “Good Friday,” let’s journey to the cross.
Jesus was not physically alone. Two other criminals were being led with Him to die. It’s interesting that Jesus, the Son of God, sinless in every way is here among two sinners.
But this was Jesus.
The religious leaders of the day were always criticizing Him because He spent time with “sinners.” (Matthew 9:10-17; Mark 2:15-22; Luke 5:29-39)
Now the final scene of His life. It Is referred to by many names. In Aramaic, it is known as The Skull. Those in Jerusalem would have called it Golgatha. Today we often sing of Calvary. Which comes from the Latin word meaning “bald head or skull.”
Regardless of it’s name, this is the place where Jesus dies.
Luke, the doctor, takes only one verse to mention the crucifixion. Luke 23:33, “…there they crucified him….”
Come on Dr. Luke! That is not exactly the media coverage we are used to receiving in our current reality.
“…there they crucified Him…”
Crown of thorns placed on His head.
“…there they crucified Him…”
His body beaten beyond recognition and close to death.
“…there they crucified Him…”
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
And“…there they crucified Him…”
They bargained over His clothes. The crowds and the soldiers mock Him.
And then something happened.
Around noon (the sixth hour), darkness covers the land.
Jesus cried out, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”
And Jesus died.
He died for me. He died for you. He died for the sin of the world. That is the the meaning and power of the cross.
Meditate on these words from Isaiah.
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)
The power of the cross is through His death we have peace and healing and forgiveness and freedom!
