Musing on significance of Christ's cross

What is the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ? Why is there so much emphasis on the cross of Christ?”

Even the secular world recognizes the figure of a cross, even though to many the cross does not mean what it does to the Christian.

Lee Strobel, atheist-turned-Christian, is the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune and best-selling author of over 20 books. Strobel made this comment: “Jesus Christ did not come into this world to make bad people good; he came into this world to make dead people live.”

Well-known Christian speaker and apologist Ravi Zacharias wrote: “Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection are at the core of the Gospel and these are the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that Gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life.”

A true event demonstrates the power and significance of the cross. Several years ago, I read an article in “Christianity Today” by Gary Thomas. He wrote about the time George Bush was vice president and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev had died. Bush represented the United States at Brezhnev’s state funeral in Moscow.

This Communist country did not recognize Christianity, and nothing in the funeral ceremony hinted at any notion of life after death. If there were believers in attendance, they would never have openly displayed any act of their faith because of the threat of condemnation by the Communist government. That would have been taking a chance that would have great repercussions.

Yet at the funeral, Bush saw something that was unimaginable and to some even incredible in Communist Russia.

The article explained that George Bush was profoundly touched by a silent expression by Brezhnev’s widow. Seconds before her husband’s coffin was closed, Mrs. Brezhnev stood silent during those concluding moments. As the guards moved to close the coffin, Brezhnev’s wife performed a significant act that reflected the hope that was within her: she quickly bent down and made the sign of the cross over her husband’s body.

It could have been considered one of the most drastic deeds of political defiance ever committed. Yet, in the midst of that environment hostile to God, Mrs. Brezhnev silently hoped there something besides the atheist viewpoints of communist Russia. She recognized that Jesus Christ had died on the cross for our sins and all who believe in him have everlasting life. Her actions displayed that hope that was within her.

Many look to Jesus as a good man. People are familiar with the Sermon on the Mount and the moral teachings of Jesus. People are quick to even repeat Jesus’ words “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

But why does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross carry such vital importance? Jesus’ supreme sacrifice of love on the cross was the ultimate act that would forever bridge the gulf between God and man. His death on the cross made a way for each person to know God personally.

The very testimony of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection 2,000 years ago has endured through sophisticated communications, time and distance. That testimony of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has become real in the hearts of millions, no matter what culture or nationality.

From all outward appearances, it seems that Mrs. Brezhnev knew the meaning of the cross. The time came for her and she had to hold on to something that would give her comfort.

For all of us, a time will come when we have to meet death. It will either be a personal experience or an occurrence when those we love face death.

So what will you hold on to?

Matthew Henry, the great preacher, said it so eloquently: “Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, his agonies thy repose, his conflicts thy conquests, his groans thy songs, his pains thine ease, his shame thy glory, his death thy life, his sufferings thy salvation.

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

That is the significance of the cross of Christ.

Judy Brandon writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at: [email protected]