THE
CROSS
Eighth of nine devotions in Lenten Intense Series from Isaiah
53:1-12
Matthew 16:21-27, John 19:17-22
Matthew 16:24: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take
up his cross and follow Me.’”
John 19:17: “Carrying His own cross, He went out to the
place called the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).”
Ten
year old Cassie always wears a necklace with a cross dangling from its
chain. When she found Kodie sitting all
alone on a swing, Cassie sat down next to her (See Don’t Fear devotion). Both
girls noticed the cross necklaces they wore, but didn’t mention it aloud.
So
Cassie felt the presence of a kindred [alike] spirit BEFORE she tried to make
friends with Kodie.
The
cross is central to believers. It is a
sign announcing to whom we belong: it broadcasts faith in God and His Son
Jesus. It is a symbol that unites all
Christians throughout the world. The
cross is the heart of what Christians believe.
1.
Gospel Message. Jesus lived a
perfect life. Without sin, He showed
people how to confront those who reject God’s truth. Directly.
Softly. Consistently. His obedience shows believers that we’re not above
obeying God’s command to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Sometimes we must get down and dirty to reach
others right where they are. Service.
2.
Reconciliation to the Father. The
cross was torture for Jesus. But only He
was qualified to bear the Father’s judgment for people’s sins. And so, Jesus suffered an agonizing death on
our behalf. Sacrifice. Nothing else is needed for still-sinful people
to come directly to a Holy Father who sees us as righteous—because of our faith
in His Son.
3.
Instant access after death. Believers-of-Jesus
don’t have to wait to be with God after death. One thief who was crucified next to Jesus
came to faith in Him that same day. He
pleaded in Luke 23:42, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
Jesus
answered him in verse 43, “I tell you the truth. Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
Salvation.
That’s
intense!
Take Home Nugget
Isaiah
53:8: “By oppression and judgment He was
taken away. And who can speak of His
descendants? For He was cut off from the
land of the living, for the transgression of my people He was stricken.”
Cassie
attends Lenten services at her church.
She learned at this year’s Good Friday service that what happened at
Calvary so long ago still saves people to eternal life who are tortured for
their faith today.
Do
you wear a cross?
Holy
Father, help me to advance Your kingdom today, because Jesus gave so much for
my salvation. Amen.
J.D. Griffith
Written
for http://www.Biblestudyforkids.com
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