Why the Cross Is Essential...

It strikes me, that though each gospel provided a large part of their narrative on the passion of Christ (John is the largest at one-half), each spends relatively little time describing the agony of the execution of Jesus.

One reason is that the first century audience was well aware of the physical pain that was associated with crucifixion. I believe that there is an even more significant reason. The physical pain is trumped by the spiritual reality.

The cross is where love, justice, mercy, and forgiveness meet. These needs are of extreme importance to the human psyche. We long for these. They are in humanity's DNA.

• We long to be loved.
• We desire justice when wronged.
• We crave mercy when we know we are guilty.
• We hope for forgiveness when we have wronged another.

Ironically, the cross, an instrument of execution, brings us good news. Since sin (any wrongdoing) is universal and God's judgment on sin is death, we are in more than just trouble. We are screwed. And as much as we desire justice, this is one case when none if us wants it.

All of sudden, mercy is what we crave and forgiveness is what we hope for. And here is the good news - God demonstrates His love for us in this, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5.8). God satisfies justice by bringing judgment on His Incarnate Self. He who knew no sin became sin for us (II Corinthians 5.21).

So, it is here in the midst of an excruciating death, our most instinctive needs are met. Love, justice, mercy, and forgiveness all meet where two pieces of wood cross each other and a man is set upon them. Our fruitless efforts are set aside and God substitutes His own. And that is all we need.