THE CROSS 

The cross is one of the most powerful and meaningful symbols in Christianity. It represents the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for humanity, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible love and grace that God has for us. As Christians, the cross is an important part of our faith, and we are called to live our lives in a way that reflects the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. In this teaching, we will explore the use of Scriptures related to the cross and its significance in the Christian faith.

1. The Old Testament foreshadows the Cross

The concept of the cross did not originate with Jesus' death on the cross. In fact, the Old Testament foreshadows the coming of the Messiah who would suffer and die on the cross. This is evident in several Old Testament Scriptures, including:

• Psalm 22:16: "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." This verse foreshadows the soldiers dividing Jesus' clothing after he was crucified.

• Isaiah 53:5: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed." This verse prophesies that the Messiah would suffer and die for the sins of humanity.

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• Zechariah 12:10: "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for him as one grieves for a firstborn." This verse prophesies that the Messiah would be pierced, a reference to his crucifixion.

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2. The Cross is central to the Gospel

The cross is central to the Gospel message. In fact, the Gospel is often referred to as the "Good News of the Cross." The cross represents the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and it is through his death on the cross that we can have eternal life. The following Scriptures illustrate the central role that the cross plays in the Gospel message:

• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse highlights the incredible love that God has for us and the sacrifice that he made for us through Jesus' death on the cross.

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• 1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This verse emphasizes the power of the cross and its significance in our salvation.

• Galatians 6:14: "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." This verse emphasizes the importance of the cross and the role it plays in our lives as Christians.

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3. The Cross is a Call to Discipleship

As Christians, we are called to follow Jesus and to live our lives in a way that reflects his sacrifice on the cross. The cross is a call to discipleship, and it challenges us to take up our own crosses and to follow Jesus. The following Scriptures highlight the call to discipleship that is inherent in the cross:

• Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and taking up our own crosses.

• Matthew 16:24: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants