The Ugliness of the Cross - The Crosswalk Devotional - June 20
The Ugliness of the Cross
By: Kyle Norman
Bible Reading:
“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
How many crosses do you own? Where are they, and in what style? Writing and recording this today, I can see several crosses around me. There is the gold cross I wear on my finger and the silver one around my neck; I also have a wonderfully hand-crafted cross of nails hanging on my wall. These crosses are all artistic and beautiful.
Such majestic representations of the cross pair well with the regal language we use to describe it. We may speak about the victory we receive or how the cross testifies to salvation, love, and forgiveness. We might sing about the Old Rugged Cross and cherish it deeply. A favorite hymn of my church growing up described the cross as erected on “some green hill far away outside the city wall.” It all seems quite regal, quaint, and nostalgic, doesn’t it?
Don’t get me wrong—there is truth in all of this. The cross is a moment of victory, and love and forgiveness come our way because of it. But there is a deeper truth that we must remember: Jesus's cross was ugly.
Jesus did not die upon some majestic religious symbol. In the ancient world, the cross was an execution tool, reserved for those deemed unworthy of respect or dignity. Written in Roman law was the decree that no Roman citizen could be killed on the cross. The cross was reserved for the worst of the worst, declaring them less than nothing. The reason why Jesus died on the “green hill far away outside the city wall” wasn’t because this was a place of scenic beauty; no, it was a place wherein the crucified could be mocked. It was the place of the skull, signifying how cut off the crucified was from all life, love, and provision.
When Jesus hung upon the cross, those standing by Jesus didn’t muse about the love of God; they mocked him. They derided him. They insulted him. “You who could save others, save yourself!” they jeer. “Come down from the cross, if you can,” they cry. And that grand sign above Jesus, “This is the King of the Jews,” was not written as some statement of faith. This was Pilate declaring defeat over any would-be Israelite King.
No. Jesus didn’t take on that which was beautiful or majestic, as if it were something easy and dignified. He endured the cross, taking on its shame. On the cross, Jesus took upon himself everything that makes us squirm, recoil, and feel uncomfortable.
But it was this that testifies to who Jesus is.
Intersecting Faith and Life
Jesus shows his true nature; he reveals his fullness as the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord of all, not because he escapes the cross, nor transforms it into some easy symbol. No, He proves who he is and the salvation he brings by hanging there and taking upon himself not an easy or beautiful cross but one of derision, mockery, and shame. Jesus scorns all that the cross represents; he shows that he is the pioneer and perfector of our faith precisely because he endures the cross, takes it on, and does not forsake it.
The cross, therefore, is the symbol of faith precisely because it is ugly, extreme, and a symbol of shame, abandonment, and derision. The cross represents everything that is not beautiful, majestic, or surrounded by pleasantry and Ease. It symbolizes faith because it is into that place that Jesus entered.
So, as you think about the cross, dare to take a moment and be uncomfortable today. Dare to be affected. Dare to recognize the very scorn and derision that Jesus felt as he hung dying on the cross for you. And allow that fact to teach you that Jesus doesn’t wait for you to feel comfortable and victorious. Jesus doesn’t stand on the sidelines of life trying to avoid the mess. He comes to you in the very place where you might feel the harshest derision, the most profound guilt, and the worst shame. The ugliness of the cross means that Jesus embraces you in all the places where you feel ugly.
So, look to Jesus. Embrace the cross and uncover how Jesus's love meets us. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/olegkalina
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