Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that
everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
John 3:14-15
Questions
What do you think Jesus’ face looked like when He was given His cross?
If Jesus knew His journey was leading to the cross, what do you think was going through His mind when He was given the cross? He would have to carry the very cross upon which He would die.
Have you ever paid the penalty for someone else’s wrongdoing?
Meditation
Jesus was given the cross, but He was the one who took it up. He was the one who knew His destiny involved the brutality of a gruesome death. He was the one who willingly took it, carried it, and hung upon it.
He wasn’t taking the cross for His own wrongdoings, for He had none. He took the cross for me, for you. He who knew no sin became sin for our behalf (for we do have sin!)
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
But there is more here. He is also showing us the way to live. Luke 9:23 tells us that if we want to follow Him, we must take up our cross – daily! We are to surrender daily, die to our self, our desires, our ways. So looking at this picture, we see two challenges …
1 – Look to the cross and be saved. He took our place for all who believe.
2 – Look to the cross and be reminded to take up your cross, die to self – today, every day.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me. And may I always cry for – MORE of You, LESS of me.