Title: The Cross and My Relationship
Contents
Isaiah 53:5-6 records the words the prophet Isaiah exclaimed while looking at the cross of Jesus Christ in the distance. “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of our company.”
Through these words, I would like to think about what kind of relationship the cross of Jesus Christ has with me.
1. Jesus was crucified “for my sake”.
Jesus did not die on the cross for you. It was not because of him that he was crucified. Not because of anyone. “He was pierced for our transgressions, and he was bruised for our iniquities.” We must not forget this fact that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, which deserved death. It is not enough to vaguely say that Jesus died on the cross to atone for the sins of all mankind. We must remember clearly that Jesus died on the cross because of me who deserved death.
2. Jesus took the cross “for me”.
Jesus carried the cross that I had to bear. Some say: “It doesn't matter what sin we commit. Because God is love, He forgives everything.” Of course, God is a God of love. But there is something we need to remember. God is a just God. A just God always punishes sin. Otherwise, God's justice will inevitably fall to the ground. The moral order of the world is bound to collapse. A just God must punish our sins. But you did not punish us, but who did you punish in our place? Christ. We must remember that our only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, took up the cross that we should bear. “… The Lord has laid on him the iniquity of our group.” You did.
When Jesus Christ died for me, He took on my dirty garments, transgressions, and sins, and was crucified for us. And he washed us clean with the blood shed on the cross. And He has clothed us with the garments of righteousness, holy garments, and glorious linen cloths. We must learn to listen to the voice of Jesus who speaks sadly. “Dear darling! Live a clean life in the clothes of the pure righteousness I have clothed you so that my death will never be in vain.”
Anyone who realizes that our Lord bore the cross for me will say, “Now I will sin no more! I will never again defile the clothes of the pure righteousness that the Lord has put on me.”
3. Jesus took the cross “for me”.
“By his punishment we have peace; by his wounds we are healed.” I have found peace because Jesus took up the cross. I have been healed. I must not forget that Jesus died on the cross to love me and to give me forgiveness, love and salvation.
The apostle Paul said in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” He said there was no condemnation. Why? Because Jesus died on the cross and was condemned for us.
When we realize that Jesus died on the cross to give us forgiveness, love, and salvation, we cannot help but love the cross. Like the Apostle Paul, we have no choice but to boast about the cross of Jesus Christ.
I hope that you will have the precious grace of realizing this amazing fact once again through the Holy Week.
Jesus was crucified “for me”. He bore the cross “for me”. He bore the cross “for me”.