The Cross Of Christ

The Cross Of Christ

CROSS OF CHRIST

Christ sent me. . . to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17

Preachers sent from Christ are sent to preach the gospel, the good news of Christ’s atoning work on the cross.

The fact that they are sent to preach the gospel reveals that there is a need for declaration and explanation of the cross of Christ. This was not a self-explanatory event. It is only because of the inspired commentary on the crucifixion — including the commentary of Jesus himself — that we are able to understand the majesty of this tragedy.

To the bystanders at Calvary (including Christ’s disciples) this was the deepest grief imaginable, the death of all their joys, the end of all hope. But through the resurrection, ascension, and explanation of Jesus Christ we come to see that the cross is in fact our highest consolation, the death of all our sorrows, and the consummation of all hope.

Through Jesus’ death sinners are reconciled to God and given eternal life. How could such an astounding display of love and mercy possibly be rendered ineffective? Paul says the cross is made of none effect when we get in the way.

It was therefore Paul’s determination not to let the message of the cross be obscured behind his own personality or his own talents or his own shortcomings. May we likewise resolve to hold up the cross, to point to the cross, with as little of ourselves showing as possible.

Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to see the glory of the cross and carry its message to the world.

Scriptural Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,

15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name.

16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.

NKJV

The Cross Of Christ