The Message of the Cross
The Message of the Cross
Text: John 19:34–35
The cross of Jesus Christ is not merely the means by which redemption was accomplished; it is the message of redemption itself. In John 19:34-35, the apostle John pauses the narrative of the crucifixion to bear witness that what took place at Calvary was real, observable, and purposeful. The blood and water flowing from the pierced side of Christ do not merely confirm his death; they proclaim a message that continues to speak to all of mankind.
Ultimately, the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are a message of love. Though horrifying and grotesque in their physical reality, they reveal the extreme measures God took to save sinners because he so loved the world. Everything the believer does after salvation must be built upon a foundation of love in response to the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross. As Charles H. Spurgeon rightly observed, “The cross is the pulpit from which God proclaims His love to the world.”
A Message of Forgiveness
One of the clearest messages spoken from the cross is forgiveness. In Luke 23:34, Jesus prays for those who are actively torturing and murdering him. He seeks forgiveness for sins already committed and for sins yet to be committed. This prayer reveals the depth of divine mercy and the scope of Christ’s atoning work. Forgiveness flows from a river of mercy, not a stream of bitterness.
Christ does the same for us. At salvation, he forgives past and future sins, securing eternal redemption. Daily confession, then, is not about regaining salvation but restoring fellowship. On the basis of God’s forgiveness, believers are called to seek and give forgiveness to others in order to maintain fellowship, as Ephesians 4:32 instructs. Forgiveness is one of the greatest acts of love and one of the clearest marks of Christlikeness. Vance Havner captured this truth well when he said, “We are never more like Christ than when we forgive.”
Unforgiveness hinders fellowship with God and others. One cannot love the Lord or live for the Lord as he should while refusing to forgive. Forgiveness may require repeated obedience until the offense no longer holds power over the heart.
A Message of Faithfulness
The cross also delivers a message of faithfulness. In John 19:25-27, Jesus remains faithful both to his heavenly Father and to his earthly family. Even in his final moments, he provides for his mother, demonstrating unwavering love, loyalty, and responsibility. It is possible that Joseph, upon his demise, entrusted the care of Mary to Jesus, who now entrusts it to John.
Faithfulness, however, is rare. Proverbs 20:6 asks where a faithful man can be found, and Jesus himself questioned whether faith would remain on the earth when he returns (Luke 18:8). Faithfulness must flow from love, not fear or mere duty. Adoniram Judson wisely stated, “A life once given to God is not measured by success, but by faithfulness.”
In God’s economy, faithfulness is success. First Corinthians 3 teaches that God rewards the sort of work, not its size. Faithful labor done in love is successful in God’s sight and will be rewarded accordingly. God rewards the laborer as the farmer rewards the ox who treads out the corn (1 Timothy 5:18).
A Message of Finishing
When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” the cross proclaimed a message of completion. Christ finished what Adam began, accomplished the work the Father sent him to do, and fully and finally secured redemption for mankind. Scripture affirms that Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
This finishing work extends to the believer as well. God, who began a good work at salvation, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). The love of Christ should constrain believers to finish their own course faithfully, just as Paul finished his course out of love for God and those he was sent to serve (2 Timothy 4:7.
A Message of Faith
Finally, the cross proclaims a message of faith. Faith is what it takes to believe. One thief on the cross believed by faith and was saved. A Roman centurion, witnessing the crucifixion, believed by faith and declared Jesus to be the righteous Son of God.
Faith saves, according to Ephesians 2:8-9. Faith pleases God, as Hebrews 11:5 teaches. Faith brings peace, as Jesus assured the healed woman in Luke 8:48. The cross demands a response, and believing by faith is that response.
Closing Reflection
Acts 13:38-41 reminds us that forgiveness of sins is preached through Jesus Christ. This is the greatest message and the greatest gift ever given. His faithfulness, his forgiveness, and his finished work call for your faith. To despise the message of the cross is to reject the greatest gift God could ever give—his life for yours.
What Christ requires of us is nothing greater than what was required of him: faith for salvation, faithfulness for service, forgiveness for fellowship, and finishing for reward. The cross still speaks, and its message remains urgent.
Text: John 19:34–35
The cross of Jesus Christ is not merely the means by which redemption was accomplished; it is the message of redemption itself. In John 19:34-35, the apostle John pauses the narrative of the crucifixion to bear witness that what took place at Calvary was real, observable, and purposeful. The blood and water flowing from the pierced side of Christ do not merely confirm his death; they proclaim a message that continues to speak to all of mankind.
Ultimately, the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ are a message of love. Though horrifying and grotesque in their physical reality, they reveal the extreme measures God took to save sinners because he so loved the world. Everything the believer does after salvation must be built upon a foundation of love in response to the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross. As Charles H. Spurgeon rightly observed, “The cross is the pulpit from which God proclaims His love to the world.”
A Message of Forgiveness
One of the clearest messages spoken from the cross is forgiveness. In Luke 23:34, Jesus prays for those who are actively torturing and murdering him. He seeks forgiveness for sins already committed and for sins yet to be committed. This prayer reveals the depth of divine mercy and the scope of Christ’s atoning work. Forgiveness flows from a river of mercy, not a stream of bitterness.
Christ does the same for us. At salvation, he forgives past and future sins, securing eternal redemption. Daily confession, then, is not about regaining salvation but restoring fellowship. On the basis of God’s forgiveness, believers are called to seek and give forgiveness to others in order to maintain fellowship, as Ephesians 4:32 instructs. Forgiveness is one of the greatest acts of love and one of the clearest marks of Christlikeness. Vance Havner captured this truth well when he said, “We are never more like Christ than when we forgive.”
Unforgiveness hinders fellowship with God and others. One cannot love the Lord or live for the Lord as he should while refusing to forgive. Forgiveness may require repeated obedience until the offense no longer holds power over the heart.
A Message of Faithfulness
The cross also delivers a message of faithfulness. In John 19:25-27, Jesus remains faithful both to his heavenly Father and to his earthly family. Even in his final moments, he provides for his mother, demonstrating unwavering love, loyalty, and responsibility. It is possible that Joseph, upon his demise, entrusted the care of Mary to Jesus, who now entrusts it to John.
Faithfulness, however, is rare. Proverbs 20:6 asks where a faithful man can be found, and Jesus himself questioned whether faith would remain on the earth when he returns (Luke 18:8). Faithfulness must flow from love, not fear or mere duty. Adoniram Judson wisely stated, “A life once given to God is not measured by success, but by faithfulness.”
In God’s economy, faithfulness is success. First Corinthians 3 teaches that God rewards the sort of work, not its size. Faithful labor done in love is successful in God’s sight and will be rewarded accordingly. God rewards the laborer as the farmer rewards the ox who treads out the corn (1 Timothy 5:18).
A Message of Finishing
When Jesus declared, “It is finished,” the cross proclaimed a message of completion. Christ finished what Adam began, accomplished the work the Father sent him to do, and fully and finally secured redemption for mankind. Scripture affirms that Jesus is both the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
This finishing work extends to the believer as well. God, who began a good work at salvation, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). The love of Christ should constrain believers to finish their own course faithfully, just as Paul finished his course out of love for God and those he was sent to serve (2 Timothy 4:7.
A Message of Faith
Finally, the cross proclaims a message of faith. Faith is what it takes to believe. One thief on the cross believed by faith and was saved. A Roman centurion, witnessing the crucifixion, believed by faith and declared Jesus to be the righteous Son of God.
Faith saves, according to Ephesians 2:8-9. Faith pleases God, as Hebrews 11:5 teaches. Faith brings peace, as Jesus assured the healed woman in Luke 8:48. The cross demands a response, and believing by faith is that response.
Closing Reflection
Acts 13:38-41 reminds us that forgiveness of sins is preached through Jesus Christ. This is the greatest message and the greatest gift ever given. His faithfulness, his forgiveness, and his finished work call for your faith. To despise the message of the cross is to reject the greatest gift God could ever give—his life for yours.
What Christ requires of us is nothing greater than what was required of him: faith for salvation, faithfulness for service, forgiveness for fellowship, and finishing for reward. The cross still speaks, and its message remains urgent.
Posted in Crucifixion, Faith, Finishing, Forgiveness, Gospel, Judgment Seat of Christ, Love, Rewards
Posted in Crucifixion, love, Forgiveness, faith, Faithfulness, Judgement Seat of Christ, Finish
Posted in Crucifixion, love, Forgiveness, faith, Faithfulness, Judgement Seat of Christ, Finish
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