The Persons of the Cross

The crucifixion itself was the most horrible of deaths. There has never been a
more cruel and painful form of execution than crucifixion upon a cross. There was the pain of the driven spikes forced through the flesh of Jesus' hands and feet. There was the weight of His body jolting and pulling against the spikes as the cross was lifted and rocked into place. There was the scorching sun and the unquenchable thirst gnawing away at His dry mouth and throat. There was the blood oozing from His scourged back, His thorn-crowned brow, His stick-beaten head. Then in addition, just think about the aggravation of flies, gnats, and other insects. On and on the suffering could be described.

And for Jesus, the crucifixion was the summit of sin and love. He suffered the separation from His heavenly Father as He became sin for us. He bore not only the physical punishment of the cross, but the spiritual suffering was something we can't even imagine. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is both the most shocking event and the most wonderful event of human history. It is the most shocking event in that it is the creature murdering the Creator, and it is the most wonderful event in that it is the Creator saving the creature.

But the story doesn't end at the cross! After three days in the grave, He arose with power, having defeated the final enemy of our souls - death. Hallelujah, He is risen and our sins are forgiven! Don't miss this exciting time of worship this Easter Sunday. He is risen indeed! Pray for great Easter services in all of our churches, that the gospel would be preached and men, women, and children would come to know Christ.