Daily Jewel

by   Pastor J.T. Carnell,  OK

What the Crucifixion Really Means

Is the image of Jesus hanging on the cross disturbing to you?  We in the protestant church typically do not often like to view this image.  We would rather believe in a Christ that defeated the cross and death – which is absolutely correct.  However, to defeat the cross and the grave, He had to face both: first the cross and then the grave.

I truly wish we could bypass this part of the story!  I would like to ignore its reality but to do so would not only lessen the purpose of Jesus’ life but it would also cheapen God’s grace.  Salvation without sacrifice is meaningless!  Empty!  Void!  

This, friends, is truly what separates the Christian Faith from all the other so-called world religions: That God would suffer and die on our behalf.  That He would choose this route over our annihilation.  That instead of starting over with a new and improved Adam and Eve, He allowed humanity to continue on, giving us the choice to accept His method of Salvation. 

Maybe we do not like this message because we have a hard time believing that we “need” someone to die for us.  Are we really that bad?  Paul’s message in Romans “that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) is not a pleasant thought – but then again, neither is thinking about the crucifixion.

Would you take some time today to say thank you, Jesus, for going through the unthinkable.  For making the decision to complete a task that no other would have considered!