As we move closer to the Easter weekend, our thoughts must first come to the cross. There the price was paid for our sin once and for all. The wonderful Savior for wandering sheep died to reclaim worshippers to Himself.
Contemplate with me: Who was this man on the cross? The Apostle Paul characterized the cross as “the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This One hanging there was:
1) The Lord. He was the God of the universe, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. This person was the Lord from whom all things come, and all things consist. As the songwriter said,
“He’s the Lord of Glory,
He is the great I AM.
He’s the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end.
His name is Wonderful, the Prince of Peace is He.
He’s the Everlasting Father throughout eternity.”
2) Jesus. He was God in the flesh. He felt every physical blow against his body. The crown and the nails pierced his flesh with extreme pain. The emotional agony of human and divine rejection racked his being. The shame of hanging naked along with two criminals was undeniable.
3) Christ. Here is the title of Jesus that emphasizes His position as the “Anointed One,” the Messiah, the very Son of God. Romans 5:6 is a gripping verse, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly.” He who knew no sin became sin for us. The spiritual pain of carrying the sin of all humanity far outweighed the physical pain of being 100% human.
The Lord Jesus Christ fulfilled God’s plan of redemption for mankind. Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Are you following Him?