In the Christian faith the cross is the most recognizable and the most important symbol of Christianity. In modern day society the cross can be found and seen everywhere from buildings to books, Bibles, and is worn as a form of jewellery. But what does the cross mean? What does it signify? Throughout history we have viewed the cross as a symbol of death and cruel execution, hatred and condemnation however contrary to this the cross is much more than a damning object. The cross in today’s society in the Christian religion signifies the ultimate sacrifice God has made for human beings, it provides simplicity to a complex world, Cross provides information to a world that has been detached and plays a major role in the Christian celebration and traditions.
Firstly, the cross in today’s society in the Christian faith serves as a remembrance of the greatest sacrifice God has made for man thus far which is the crucifixion of his only son. It signifies the life of Christ. The crucifixion of Christ, in fact the cross is celebrated worldwide by the Christian masses, the true meaning of the Cross has been engraved in the hearts of true believers it has been buried deeply in the hearts and minds of men who understand that “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Jesus suffered on the cross so that man can live, he suffered humiliation and brutality so that we, humans, wouldn’t have to.
Jesus demonstrates that the true meaning of sacrifice is love. Therefore, Christ’s cause is the freedom of mankind, and He was prepared to enter a dark world, heal the sick, and even be crucified for His
Charles B. Hodge, Jr., is a prolific writer and a minister of the Church of Christ. He closes each chapter of The Agony & Glory of the Cross with “The Cross…there is no other way!” Thus, I have taken Reverend Hodge’s declaration for the title of this review. He further explains his thesis of the importance of the cross: “Jesus could not save Himself and still be our Savior. There is no way but the cross.” The unique approach to teaching the New Testament – and Christs’ journey to Calvary – requires several readings, analysis, and return to biblical text.
The cross could be interpreted as a positive icon for the Spaniards, yet villainous to the Indians. The focal point the filmmaker might have made, however, was the cross bringing order to a “daunting” people.
Peter Paul Reubens, “The Raising of The Cross” found on page 265 in our art book, was created 1610-1611 by the use of oil on panel, dimensions 462 x 339 cm. Many facets of this painting caught my attention, but the prime facet was the geometric support it influences and the sentimental effect it distributes to the spectators, also Reuben’s motive and content behind the painting.
In order to fully understand the story of the crucifixion it is crucial that we take a step into the story. We should view it as a doorway and it is important that we go through it in our imagination, in order to actually understand what is happening. We must ask our self what info is needed to make the story authentic? This is crucial for us to ask so that we can fully dive into the story and truly understand everything it has to teach us.
which translates to “of the cross” thus, symbolizing sacrifice and suffering. It is believed that the
I still carry my cross deep inside my soul. (Parallelism) Divorce parents carried a set of broken heart, orphans carried their first teddy bear from salvation army, cancer patients carried the love of their family, murders carried regrets of their actions and death penalty. I carried my cross. But in honesty, Jesus took up my cross and my sufferings weighed like a feather. Now because I carry the true cross, I carry joy, happiness, eternal life, eternal treasures, eternal rest, humility, service, friendship, brothership, church. When I get to look at my cross, I don't care what other people thinks about this or what I do. I am happy to serve for the kingdom of God, and I will carry my cross to represent my kind prince of peace, and devote my life to carry other's sufferings to help them to cope with the
The first thing that comes to someone's mind when they think Jesus is about the cross. Jesus was beaten, tortured and died on the cross. He was murdered by those who believed he was anything but a good man. He willingly went through the torture and beating because that was what he was told to do by the Lord. Jesus knew he had to die to save all of our souls. He died to wash away all our sins, and now when we sin we can pray for forgiveness and automatically be forgiven by the Lord. Jesus knew this most of his life, and was ready and willing to give up his life for us.
The Cross as the symbol of Christianity was embraced as late as in the fourth century. It is certain that the Rood of Christ was often likened to a tree which can be known when the Rood said, “That was very long ago, I remember it still, that I was cut down from the edge of the wood, ripped from by my roots” (lines 28-30). The Ruthwell Cross, runic characters, being the most striking example of a combination of Celtic artistic tradition known as being interwoven with human and animal figures, biblical scenes and other things that were Christ based later developed into the poem of The Dream of the Rood, all form together to give you an overtly Christian
But what really attract my attention was two art works. The first is from baroque period and it is a cross representing a figure of the Catholic Church where believers adore when they
requires self-denial. The cross was the most painful and humiliating form of execution of the Roman era. Thus, to take up one?s cross daily is to expect painful situations every day because of allegiance to Christ? (1?Luke? 1755). We are to understand that being a disciple of Christ we will have our character tested. We must be willing to give up everything to follow, and love Him above all others. Even our own lives are to be a sacrifice for His service. We are to not be ?ostriches? with our heads in the sand but with open eyes, minds and hearts weigh the cost, and decide if we are able to follow. Are we able to stand against our enemies, (His enemies)? Are we strong enough, brave enough, and faithful enough to be counted worthy? If we are not, are we willing to sacrifice it all to become what He requires?
Jesus had to carry his own cross, that probably weighed two times his size, all the way up to wear the crucifixion was going to take place. Already beaten and bloody, they lay him down onto the cross shaped piece of wood and begin by nailing his hands and feet into it and standing the cross up into the air. What a brutal sight it must have been for God to see his only son tortured like this, but the good news is that he knew what his plan was for Jesus and for his people and he knew what was going to happen after all this was over. Jesus died hanging from that cross, washing all of our sin away and paying the ultimate sacrifice. After he died he was wrapped in a white cloth and placed into a tomb with a boulder sealing the door to the outside world. Three days after being placed in there, the people went to check up on the tomb to find that the boulder was pushed aside and the white cloth was folded neatly where Jesus was laying. The son of God, the Messiah, rose again from the dead to fulfill his mission so that we may have everlasting life in God’s kingdom. God’s plan for our life and through Jesus he teaches us that if we follow in God’s word and make him our most prized possession and ask for him to be in our hearts that we may to “escape the penalty that God will execute upon all who have broken His
When Jesus arrived to Golgotha, He was nailed to the cross and soon after dies. The symbol of Jesus’ crucifixion is what Christians live by. It represents Jesus sacrificing his life to save humanity from their evil sins. When He died, He was taken down from the cross and was buried in a tomb, where He resurrected into Heaven and was seated at the right Hand of God. Jesus’ resurrection symbolizes two things. First, it proves to Christians that Jesus is the Son of God (Curtis). In the Bible, Paul affirmed that Christ is declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection from the dead (Rom. 1:4). Second, Jesus’ resurrection represented an assurance that all of humanity is saved and forgiven for their sins (Curtis).
When Jesus died on the cross he was giving up his life for other people's sins and demonstrating the love of God. When Jesus rose again he proved that it was possible to overcome death and live with God for all eternity. Christians were freed from the burden of original sin if they followed Jesus' teaching and example and believed in him as the Son of God. Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies' - John 11:25-26.
Another powerful scene that leads up to the cross is when Jesus carried the heavy wooden pole to a hilltop. In this scene, I was angry and shocked that the Roman soldiers made Jesus carry the heavy cross after his flogging. Jesus had no physical strength after his whipping. But this scene allowed us to see he was willing to take the cross and carry it up to the hill for our sake. We are constantly bombarded with this sacrificial and scandalous love where Jesus knows he is taking in the suffering for our sake. Many of the audience in the movie theatre are Christians, but can also be someone who wants to know Jesus more. When non-Christians see this scene, they may start questioning why is Jesus carrying the heavy cross up to the hill. The movie is portraying extremely why Jesus had to take the cross because he wanted to reveal his love for us. This is not the universal love that we relate to but is a sacrificial and scandalous love which Jesus wants to pour out to the audience. And the visualization of Jesus who is physically incapable of carrying the cross doing the impossible. This visualization allows me and others to sympathize with Jesus, but to understand why Jesus is taking the cross. Jesus is doing to show his love for us and humbling himself before the final act.