Why the Cross Matters

Mark 15:25 - "And it was the third hour when they crucified Him."
Have you ever wondered why Christians chose the cross—a symbol of brutal execution—as the centerpiece of their faith? Walk into any church, anywhere in the world, and you'll see not a manger or even an empty tomb, but a cross. But why?
The answer lies in understanding what the cross truly represents. It's not just an event in history—it's the message of eternity.
The answer lies in understanding what the cross truly represents. It's not just an event in history—it's the message of eternity.
The Cross Shows the Seriousness of Our Sin
Mark's Gospel presents the crucifixion of Jesus with haunting simplicity: "And they crucified Him." There's no detailed description, no graphic imagery, just these powerful words repeated to emphasize their gravity.
Crucifixion was common, cruel, and designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation. It was reserved for the worst criminals. And yet, this was how Jesus died. Why? Because it vividly demonstrates the seriousness of our sin. The Bible says clearly, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Our sin has real consequences—death and eternal separation from God. As Romans 6:23 emphasizes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The cross wasn't a tragic accident; it was the deliberate plan of God. Jesus willingly took our place, absorbing the punishment we deserved. He bore our sin, endured our shame, and faced God's wrath so that we wouldn't have to. Everything Jesus suffered on that cross was intentional—His scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails—all for you and me.
Crucifixion was common, cruel, and designed to inflict maximum pain and humiliation. It was reserved for the worst criminals. And yet, this was how Jesus died. Why? Because it vividly demonstrates the seriousness of our sin. The Bible says clearly, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Our sin has real consequences—death and eternal separation from God. As Romans 6:23 emphasizes, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The cross wasn't a tragic accident; it was the deliberate plan of God. Jesus willingly took our place, absorbing the punishment we deserved. He bore our sin, endured our shame, and faced God's wrath so that we wouldn't have to. Everything Jesus suffered on that cross was intentional—His scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails—all for you and me.
The Cross Reveals the Immeasurable Love of God
The cross isn't merely a symbol of suffering; it's a declaration of God's extraordinary love. Romans 5:8 captures it beautifully: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God's love is not conditional on our goodness or performance; He loves us precisely at our worst.
When Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross, He wasn't just dying—He was demonstrating. It was the loudest "I love you" ever spoken. Jesus didn't have to die; He chose to. His love held Him there, not the nails. This love is not superficial or sentimental. It's sacrificial, deep, and life-changing. The cross perfectly symbolizes the width of God’s love and the height of His holiness.
When Jesus stretched out His arms on the cross, He wasn't just dying—He was demonstrating. It was the loudest "I love you" ever spoken. Jesus didn't have to die; He chose to. His love held Him there, not the nails. This love is not superficial or sentimental. It's sacrificial, deep, and life-changing. The cross perfectly symbolizes the width of God’s love and the height of His holiness.
The Cross Declares the Power of Resurrection
But the story of the cross doesn't end in death; it triumphs in resurrection. Mark chapter 16 describes women visiting Jesus' tomb, only to find the stone rolled away and the grave empty. An angel declares, "He is risen."
Mark 16:6 - "And he said unto them, “Be not afraid. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. Behold the place where they laid Him."
Jesus was crucified and died—but He didn’t stay dead. His resurrection changed everything. It shattered the power of sin, transformed suffering into splendor, and turned despair into hope. The cross wasn't the end; it was just the beginning of the greatest movement in history.
Mark 16:6 - "And he said unto them, “Be not afraid. Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. Behold the place where they laid Him."
Jesus was crucified and died—but He didn’t stay dead. His resurrection changed everything. It shattered the power of sin, transformed suffering into splendor, and turned despair into hope. The cross wasn't the end; it was just the beginning of the greatest movement in history.
The Invitation of the Cross
Today, when you look at the cross, don't just see wood and nails. See your sin being forgiven, your guilt being lifted, and your eternity secured. Yes, "they crucified Him," but He rose victorious, offering new life and a personal relationship with anyone who trusts in Him.
So don’t walk past the cross. Come to it. Let it change you forever.
So don’t walk past the cross. Come to it. Let it change you forever.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
June
The Blessings We Often Overlook Monday - Blessed in Christ Tuesday - Children of the FatherWednesday - Living from AbundanceThursday - Secure in ChristFriday - A New CreationFinding Our True Identity In ChristMonday - I am loved Tuesday - I am accepted Wednesday - I am valuableThursday - I am forgivenFriday - I am capableMonday - Truly Knowing GodTuesday - Seeing Clearly the Hope of God’s CallingWednesday - Understanding Your Value to GodThursday - God's Resurrection PowerFriday - Making This Prayer PersonalChrist at the CenterMonday - The Supremacy of ChristTuesday - Christ as the Head of the ChurchWednesday - Reflecting Christ's FullnessThursday - Living with Christ at the CenterFriday - The Church as Christ's Body
2024
2023
July
Monday - July 3rdTuesday - July 4thWednesday - July 5thThursday - July 6thFriday - July 7thMonday - July 10thTuesday - July 11thWednesday - July 12thThursday - July 13thFriday - July 14thMonday - July 17thTuesday - July 18thWednesday - July 19thThursday - July 20thFriday - July 21stMonday - July 24thTuesday - July 25thWednesday - July 26thThursday - July 27thFriday - July 28thMonday - July 31st
August
Tuesday - August 1stWednesday - August 2ndThursday - August 3rdFriday - August 4thTuesday - August 8thWednesday - August 9thThursday - August 10thFriday - August 11thMonday - August 14thTuesday - August 15thWednesday - August 16thThursday - August 17thFriday - August 18thMonday - August 21stTuesday - August 22ndWednesday - August 23rdThursday - August 24thFriday - August 25thMonday - August 28thTuesday - August 29thWednesday - August 30thThursday - August 31st
Categories
no categories
No Comments