The Needed Cross!
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” John 3:14
You see them everywhere, around the neck, hanging from ears, even tattooed on people’s body parts. That doesn’t include the decorations in many homes and even in some businesses. We have come to accept that there should be a cross at a church, but why would the cross be such an important symbol?
When Nicodemus came to visit Jesus one night, he had many questions about salvation. As they were talking Jesus used an Old Testament reference with which Nicodemus would have been familiar. While in the wilderness, the Israelites sinned against God. On this particular rebellion, God sent poisonous snakes into the camp. The people who were bitten died. They repented and God commanded Moses to make a bronze snake and hang it on a cross. Everyone who looked at that cross was spared. That look of faith was the only antidote to the serpents’ bite.
The comparison is clear. Jesus is explaining the way of salvation. The cross is a “must”. As the Lamb of God Jesus would be sacrificed on it. It was the payment that is necessary. With his death and resurrection salvation is accomplished. That cross represents how much God loves us. He gave his one and only Son.
I fear that for many the cross has just become a traditional decoration. But I always pray when I see someone displaying one that it is an expression of the person’s faith. How important for all know the true meaning of the needed cross.
Lord Jesus, thank you for going to the cross for me. Continue to send the Holy Spirit to work saving faith through your Word and sacrament. Amen.