For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:17- 18
Within these verses we see the heart of Paul’s ministry…to preach the gospel. In his presentation of the gospel, he did not use “words of human wisdom” or in other words with the cleverness of human argumentation. Instead he proclaimed the simple, yet profound “message of the cross.” To those who reject the message, or as Paul describes them, those who are perishing, the message is foolishness. The idea of God taking on human flesh, dying on a cross like a criminal, and then being raised on the third day all done in order to save us from our sins, to them it is moronic, unbelievable, and foolishness. But to us who are saved, we know that it is the message of the cross, the gospel, it is “the power of God for salvation” (Rom. 1:16). When I survey the wondrous cross, I realize that the simple message of the cross preached is the power of God for salvation.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
Isaiah 53:3-8
These verses concerning the suffering servant are disturbing, yet at the same time they are wonderful. It is disturbing to honestly think about what our Lord went through in order to bring us peace. Disturbing words like “despised,” “smitten,” “afflicted,” “pierced” and “crushed” convey a snapshot of the pain and suffering that Jesus endured. Yet another word jumps out in this passage. A word is used which truly makes these verses wonderful. The word is “our.” Jesus took up “our infirmities” and carried “our sorrows.” He was pierced for “our transgressions” and crushed for “our iniquities.” He experienced the wrath of God for our sins so that we may have peace with God. When I survey the wondrous cross, I see the suffering of my Lord for me.
Toward the cross
Daily readings of the events of the leading up to the cross
Sometime perhaps after midnight:
- Betrayal and Arrest (Matt. 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-50)
- Jewish trial – Jesus appears in three phases in front of:
- Annas (John 18:13-24)
- Caiaphas and partial Sanhedrin (Matt. 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-65)
- Sanhedrin fully assembled (perhaps after sunrise) (Matt. 27:1-2; Mark 15:1)
- Roman trial – Jesus appears in three phases before:
- Pilate (Matt. 27:2-14; Mark 15:2-5)
- Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12)
- Pilate (Matt. 27:15-26; Mark 15:6-14)
- Roman trial – Jesus appears in three phases before:
- Crucifixion – approx. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Matt. 27:27-66; Mark 15:16-39)
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:19-20
A host of angels declared at the birth of Jesus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Jesus came to bring peace…peace between God and man. Jesus Christ made peace between God and man through His shed blood on the cross. The blood of Jesus speaks to the atonement. The Bible declares “Without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22). The shed blood of Christ through His death was the propitiation for our sins. He took the place of sinners, dying a substitutionary death that paid the full penalty for the sin of all who believe. This death satisfied God’s wrath. When I survey the wondrous cross, I think of peace that I now have with God by means of the sacrifice of Jesus. Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).
Toward the cross
Daily readings of the events of the leading up to the cross
• Preparations for Passover (Matt. 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16)
After sundown
• Passover meal and Last Supper (Matt. 26:20-35; Mark 12:17-25)
• Upper room discourses (John 13—17)
• Prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42)
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4: 9-10
The greatest expression of love is seen on the cross. The reality that God would send His one and only Son, to die for people in order that they may live, is truly amazing. Even more astounding is the fact that God would do this for people who, not only do not love Him, but are defined as His enemies (Rom. 5:10). Paul describes this love like this, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5: 7-8). This is truly the definition of love. This is a love that is defined by its selfless and sacrificial action. When I survey the wondrous cross I see the great love of God toward me.
Toward the cross
Daily readings of the events of the leading up to the cross
• “Silent Wednesday” – Jesus and disciples remain in Bethany for last time of fellowship
• Judas returns alone to Jerusalem to make arrangements for the betrayal (Matt. 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11)