Title: Lent 4 Three Kinds of Crosses
Contents
2012.3.18. Lent 4 Three kinds of crosses Luke 23:32-43
The cross is the heart of Christianity.
Crucifixion was the worst punishment ever made by man, and it was applied to slaves, murderous robbers, and traitors.
The peculiar thing is that the physical pain was great, but it was also a great shame.
You can find these three crosses in today's text.
The first cross is the cross of the robber, which is the ‘cursed cross’.
This cross is a cross that all sinners must bear and symbolizes “eternal death” due to sin.
When Jesus was crucified, there were two death row prisoners on either side.
In verse 32 of the main text, it is called ‘an evildoer’, but in other Gospels, it is written as a ‘robber.
All human beings are sinners and must be crucified to death.
Gentlemen, you should know that all human beings are sinners, and so are I and you.
All human beings after Adam are sinners by nature. are born with a sinful nature.
If you commit sins in this world, you will suffer in one way or another.
Such suffering is the cross of the curse and the shadow of hell.
The second cross is the “Cross of Atonement” that Jesus bore.
Isaiah 53:5 He was pierced for our transgressions, and he was bruised for our iniquities…”
In a nutshell, the cross of Jesus is the “crucifixion of atonement” for human sins.
This cross determines the fate of man forever.
42 Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom…”
Verse 43. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise…”
The other thief never confesses his sins until the very end and perishes forever in the midst.
Acts 4:12 “Salvation can be found in no one else; there is no other
He said that no name was given to us.”
Jesus is the only way to salvation.
And in order to save others, we must only testify to the Gospel of Jesus on the cross.
The third cross is the cross that every Christian will bear.
Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone will come after me,
deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.”
This is the cross of obedience, the cross of mission.
This is a command given to all Christians who believe in Jesus.
Each of us has been commissioned to preach the gospel of the cross in the field of life according to our talents and positions.
Within the ecclesial community, they assumed an office or responsibility.
Because they do not know how valuable their mission is, they often avoid it.
In the text, the appearance of the disciples is not seen.
I must do my best to bear the cross of mission in the circumstances I am in.
Romans 8:18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”
The cross seems like I am carrying it, but in fact, the cross saves me.
On this Lenten day, while giving thanks for the grace of the cross of atonement, take up the cross of obedience and mission
I hope in the name of the Lord that you and I will be moving forward vigorously.