What does the cross mean?
1 Corinthians 1:23 “We preach Christ crucified.”
Think for a moment of how the cross has become a very common symbol in our world.
You see both men and women wearing crosses as jewelry. How many people have a cross as a tattoo? Many Christians have crosses hanging in their home. There is nothing wrong with any of these uses of a cross. But with the rather common use of the cross, have we perhaps forgotten what the cross is all about?
Christians and non-Christians alike recognize the cross as the most common symbol of Christianity. With that, the cross has also become rather controversial.
So, with all of that said, how would you simply and clearly describe to someone what the cross is all about and what it means to you and your faith?
You could simply put it like this: “On the cross Jesus died to pay the price of my sins so that I have forgiveness of all my sins and also the hope of heaven”. That would be a clear and simple explanation that just about any Christian would understand and agree with.
We also need to take into consideration the words which God led Paul to write just before our verse for this week: “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom.”. With that introduction, Paul is reminding us that while we trust in and hold on to the simple message and truth of the cross, there are many who do not see things so simply. If you look at the sentence right after our verse for this week, Paul speaks of the cross and “Christ crucified” as “a stumbling block”. Sadly for many, the simple truth which is the cornerstone of our faith is a stumbling block to them.
Not just in our world, but all throughout the course of time and history, people have been unable and unwilling to accept the simple fact that Jesus did it all and paid the full price of their sins on the cross. From the fall into sin until now human beings have struggled with the idea that they cannot and do not have to do anything for their forgiveness and salvation. We understand that in every other area of life we need to do something or contribute something and if we don’t we are viewed as lazy or a failure.
When we realize that, we can understand how the simple truth of the Gospel that “Christ crucified” is all we need is confusing and frustrating. In spite of that, we need to continue to hold on to and share the simple message that “Christ crucified” is all that anyone needs. As you have the opportunity once again this Lenten season to hear and ponder the message of “Christ crucified”, thank God that you know and believe it and pray that you have opportunities and are willing to open your lips and share that simple, saving message and what it means to you.