Another Lesson from the Cross

The cross symbolizes Christ, the Christian faith, and salvation from sin. It was the focal point of our Lord’s several acts of compassion leading up to his death.

He healed the ear of Malchus, one of those who had come to arrest him (John 18:10). He told the soldiers to let his disciples go and just arrest him (John 18:8). He told the begging insurrectionist on the cross beside him that he would be with him in Paradise that same day (Luke 23:43). He tried to warn his executioners what they were fulfilling when he quoted Psalm 22:1, “God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). He prayed for his jealous accusers, “Forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34?).

Those specifics are prelude to the purpose of that gracious occasion: showing compassion for all people by giving himself for their salvation and renewed association with God. Were it not for people like us, he would not have needed to go through what he endured.

So to speak, these emblems represent that event and all that it means. They are prompts to do likewise if need be, remembering compassion like he did.